6. Minority flour cakes – Lekach and Honey cake, brownies, cheesecake, almond cake:[1]

A cake primarily made with honey and a smaller proportion of flour, known as Lekach, is classified as Mezonos [and not Hamotzi] according to all viewpoints [even a Baal Nefesh], due to the predominance of honey, and its main intent being for pleasure and sweetness rather than being a satiating food.[2] However, if one sets a meal over it, then it is Hamotzi.[3] [The same would apply to brownies and cheesecake and almond cake which contain only a minority ingredient of flour, that their blessing is Mezonos, unless one sets a meal over them in which case their before blessing is Hamotzi. However, their after blessing would be dependent on how much flour was in the mixture as explained in chapter 8 Halacha 6.]

• Example: Shlomo attends a family gathering where a variety of cakes are served for dessert, including cheesecake and almond cake. For reference, cheesecake is typically made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a small amount of flour in the crust or batter. Almond cake often features ground almonds, eggs, sugar, and a bit of flour. He takes a modest slice of cheesecake to enjoy with his tea. Remembering the blessing rules, Shlomo recites the Mezonos blessing before eating, as this is not his main meal.

[1] Seder 2:9; 3:4-5; Luach 4:4; Admur 168:9 and 11; Rama 168:7; Michaber 208:3; M”A 212:5; Tosafus Brachos 36bKetzos Hashulchan 48:5

[2] The reason it is Mezonos and not Shehakol: It is Mezonos as whenever flour is present in the mixture, and contributes to the taste, it is Mezonos. [Admur ibid]

[3] Seder 3:4