Bolo de Mel

Bolo de Mel

Bolo de Mel (BOH-loh deh MEL)

Honey Cake

Prep Time 20 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
10
🔥 Calories 327 kcal

A dense, aromatic Cape Verdean honey cake spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus zest, traditionally baked for holidays and celebrations.

Nutrition & Info

320 kcal per serving
Protein 5.0g
Carbs 52.0g
Fat 11.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ eggs ⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

mixing bowl bundt pan electric mixer

Presentation Guide

Vessel: cake stand

Garnishes: powdered sugar, orange zest

Accompaniments: coffee, grogue

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and flour a bundt pan.

  2. 2

    Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.

  3. 3

    Warm honey slightly and add to the batter along with vanilla.

  4. 4

    Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves. Fold into batter alternating with milk.

  5. 5

    Stir in orange and lemon zest. Pour batter into prepared pan.

  6. 6

    Bake 45-50 min until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 min before turning out.

💡

Did You Know?

On the island of Santo Antão, families compete to see who makes the best bolo de mel each Christmas, with recipes guarded as closely as family secrets.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • mixing bowl
  • bundt pan
  • electric mixer

Garnishing

powdered sugar, orange zest

Accompaniments

coffee, grogue

The Story Behind Bolo de Mel

Bolo de mel was brought to Cape Verde by Portuguese settlers and adapted with local honey and tropical citrus. It became the centerpiece of Cape Verdean holiday celebrations, particularly Christmas and New Year, where no festive table is complete without this fragrant cake.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed holidays and celebrations 📜 Origins: Portuguese colonial era

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