Irresistible Teisen Mel Recipe | 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Welsh Honey Cake

Thank you for stopping by, friends! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s incredibly close to my heart: Teisen Mel, the traditional Welsh honey and spice cake. This lovely bake is wonderfully moist, lightly spiced, and infused with the golden sweetness of honey. Perfect for a rainy afternoon with a hot cuppa or wrapped up as a heartfelt homemade gift, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What is Teisen Mel?
Teisen Mel translates directly to “Honey Cake” in Welsh. It’s a humble, homely bake that’s been part of Welsh teatime tables for generations. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and mixed spice makes it extra cozy and perfect for cooler days.

Why you’ll love it:

• Moist, tender crumb with a subtle honey sweetness.
• Comforting spiced aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Keeps beautifully, making it ideal for gifting.

What it tastes like:
Imagine a soft, buttery sponge kissed with honey and warm spice—slightly sticky on top, sweet but not overpowering, with a comforting richness.

Nutritional perks:
Honey is not only a natural sweetener but also carries antioxidants. Plus, this cake pairs well with fresh fruit or yogurt for a lighter twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

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• 🌾 Self-raising flour: 225g
• 🧂 Baking powder: 1 tsp
• 🌰 Mixed spice: 1 tsp
• 🥄 Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
• 🍬 Light brown sugar: 100g
• 🍯 Clear honey: 150g
• 🧈 Unsalted butter: 100g
• 🥚 Egg: 1 large, beaten
• 🥛 Whole milk: 100ml

Tools Required:

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk and spoon
• 8-inch round cake tin (lined)
• Oven (preheated to 160°C / 320°F)

Suggested Substitutions & Additions:

• Swap honey with golden syrup for a milder sweetness.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit for texture.
• For a festive touch, stir in candied ginger.

How to Make Teisen Mel (Welsh Honey and Spice Cake)

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1. Preheat & prepare: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line an 8-inch cake tin.
2. Dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and cinnamon.
3. Honey mixture: In a saucepan, gently melt butter, sugar, and honey until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly.
4. Mix together: Stir the honey mixture into the flour mix.
5. Add egg & milk: Beat in the egg, then gradually add the milk until you have a smooth batter.
6. Bake: Pour into your tin and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch.
7. Cool & serve: Allow to cool before slicing. Serve with tea, or wrap it up as a gift.

The smell of honey and spice while it bakes is pure magic!

What to Serve with Teisen Mel

• A strong cup of tea (classic Welsh brew, of course!).
• Fresh berries and clotted cream for indulgence.
• A drizzle of extra honey while still warm.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the cake tender.
• Check your cake a few minutes before the timer; ovens vary!
• Warm the honey just enough to blend with butter and sugar—don’t boil.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Wrap in parchment and store in a tin for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze slices (wrapped well) for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: A quick zap in the microwave softens it nicely.

General Information

Teisen Mel is often baked for St. David’s Day (March 1st), Wales’s national day, but it’s a year-round comfort. Some families drizzle extra honey over the cake just before serving—a sweet little tradition worth keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this without mixed spice?
Yes—just use extra cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.

2. Can I use wholemeal flour?
You can, but the texture will be denser. I recommend half white, half wholemeal.

3. Does this cake improve with age?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and let it sit a day or two—flavors deepen beautifully.

4. Can I bake this in a loaf tin?
Absolutely, just adjust baking time (about 45–50 minutes).

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Conclusion

This Teisen Mel (Welsh Honey and Spice Cake) is everything I love about traditional recipes: simple, cozy, and made with love. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, to share at teatime, or to give as a homemade gift, it’s sure to bring smiles.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love:

• Lemon Drizzle Cake
• Sticky Toffee Pudding

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your Teisen Mel creations!
⭐ Leave a review below.
📌 Share this recipe on Pinterest.
📸 Tag me @poulefrecipe if you bake it—I can’t wait to see!

Nutritional Information (per slice, serves 10)

Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Saturated Fat	Protein	Fiber	Sodium
265	34g	18g	12g	6g	3g	1g	120mg

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