Pain d’Épice is one of France’s oldest baked treats — a dense, moist loaf sweetened with honey and warmed with spices. While it often appears around the holidays, this fragrant loaf deserves a place on the table all year round.
Ingredients
- 250 g honey
- 250 g rye or wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground anise or star anise
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Gently warm the honey until runny, then let it cool slightly.
- Mix the flour, baking soda and spices in a bowl.
- Whisk in the honey, eggs, milk and orange zest until smooth.
- Pour into a greased loaf tin.
- Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 45-50 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.
Pain d’épice improves with a day’s rest, wrapped in foil — the flavours deepen and the texture becomes even moister.
About This Recipe
French Pain d’Épice (Honey Spice Loaf) is one of those dishes that rewards a little care and shares beautifully at the table. Below you’ll find timings, practical tips and serving ideas so you can make it with confidence, whether it is your first attempt or a familiar favourite you want to get just right.
At a Glance
- Prep time: 25 minutes (plus rising)
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: Around 2 hours with proving
- Serves: 8-10 slices
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Tips for the Best Results
- Let the dough prove somewhere warm and draught-free until it has clearly doubled in size.
- Weigh the flour rather than using cups for a reliable, repeatable French Pain d’Épice (Honey Spice Loaf).
- Don’t rush the second rise; patience here is what gives an open, tender crumb.
- Cool the loaf fully on a rack before slicing so the interior sets properly.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the French Pain d’Épice (Honey Spice Loaf) slightly warm or at room temperature. It is lovely on its own, with butter and jam, or as the base of a simple breakfast or afternoon treat.
Storage
Store in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for two to three days. For longer keeping, slice and freeze, then toast straight from frozen.
