Pain d'épices (French Gingerbread)

Pain d’Épices is a traditional French gingerbread made with honey and spices. Moist, aromatic, and versatile, it can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300 g, or 1 2/3 cups all-purpose + 3/4 cup rye flour for a deeper flavor)
• 1/2 cup honey (150 g, wildflower or chestnut)
• 1/2 cup cup brown sugar (packed) (100 g)
• 2/3 ml milk (150 ml)
• 1/4 cup butter (60 g )
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp spice blend for Pain d'Épices (cinnamon, ginger, anise seed, cloves, nutmeg)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 orange (for the zest)
• 2 tbsp honey (30 ml)
• 1 tbsp cold water (15 ml)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 320 °F (160 °C, conventional). Butter and line a loaf pan.
2. 2In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk, honey, and butter until melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. 3In a large bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, salt, the spices, baking soda, and baking powder.
4. 4Gradually pour the wet ingredients (butter, milk, honey) into the dry ingredients in 2–3 additions, mixing gently with a spatula until you get a smooth, homogeneous batter.
5. 5Stir in the orange zest and a pinch of salt.
6. 6Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. 7Let cool for 3 minutes before removing from the pan. Optional: Heat the honey and water for the glaze in a small saucepan, then brush over the warm gingerbread. Allow to cool completely before serving.