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Pain d'Épices

A traditional French gingerbread cake infused with warm spices, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour provides the cake's structure
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar for caramel notes and a deeper flavor
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder ensures a nice rise
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger the star spice that defines the cake
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves for a hint of earthiness
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup honey adds moisture and a rich sweetness
  • 1 cup milk helps in achieving a tender crumb

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it generously or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the honey and milk until smooth.
Mixing and Baking
  1. Pour the honey mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Once the bread is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Once cooled, slice the pain d'épices and serve as is or with a spread of butter or jam.

Notes

Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Allow the cake to rest for a few days before slicing for a deeper flavor. Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture.