How to make it

  • For syrup:
  • Using a grater, grate 4tbs. orange zest. Mix honey, orange juice and 2tbs. orange zest, (reserving remainder zest for the cake) in heavy medium saucepan. Boil until reduced to 3/4c. about 10 minutes.
  • Set honey syrup aside.
  • For Cake:
  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Butter 9 inch square baking pan with 2 inch high sides. Line bottom with waxed paper. Butter paper. Dust pan with flour.
  • Using a mixer, beat first 8 ingredients in large bowl until fluffy. Mix in reserved zest. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder into med. bowl.
  • Mix half and half, lemon juice in a small bowl.
  • Beat dry ingredients alternately with half and half mixture into butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix in currants. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake 50 minutes, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in center, which should come out clean.
  • Cool cake 20 minutes. Run small knife around sides to loosen. Turn cake out onto rack; cool. Peel off paper. Cover syrup and cake separately and let stand at room temp.
  • For frosting:
  • Melt chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Cool to barely luke warm. Using mixer, beat butter, cream cheese until light. Add chocolate and 1/4c. honey syrup and beat until smooth. Chill until thich enough to spread, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
  • Cut cake horizonally in half. Place bottom layer cut side up on platter. Brush with 1/4c. honey syrup. Spread 1 1/4c. frosting over. Brush remaining 1/4c. syrup over cut side of top layer. Place cake cut side down atop filled layer. Set aside 2/3c. frosting for garnish. Spread remaining frosting over top sides and cake. Press almonds around sides. Spoon remaining 2/3c. frosting into pastry bag fitted with small star tip. Pipe frosting decoratively around top edge of cake. Chill cake until frosting sets, about 1 hour. Garnish with orange slices.

Reviews & Comments 2

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    " It was excellent "
    snowcat17 ate it and said...
    I really like the sounds of this one will be making for New Year's Eve!! HIGH FIVE FORKS!!!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    californiacook ate it and said...
    You always come up with fab recipes. Keep 'em coming.
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag

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