Pain d’Épices, a traditional French spiced bread from the region of Reims, is often described as a blend between a dense cake and a soft loaf. Made with hearty rye flour, fragrant honey, and a mix of warming spices, this flavorful bread is a perfect companion for breakfast, tea-time, or even paired with cheese. Its delicate, aromatic profile makes it a comforting choice for any occasion.
Why Make French spiced bread?
This French spiced loaf is a must-try for anyone who enjoys the rich flavors of rye and honey, balanced with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s easy to make, with simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and is perfect for serving alongside your favorite beverages or as a snack. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or serve it as part of a cheese platter, Pain d’Épices brings a touch of French charm to your kitchen.
How to Make Pain d’Épices (French spiced bread)
Making this French-inspired spiced bread is straightforward and requires only a few basic steps. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 170ml very warm water
- 250g rye flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 300g pure honey
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground anise
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
- Prepare the Loaf Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour to prevent the bread from sticking. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves completely and forms a smooth, warm mixture. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rye flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, anise, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest. This will ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread. - Make the Batter:
Slowly pour the warm honey-water mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the batter becomes smooth and lump-free. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture. - Bake the Pain d’Épices:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the crust is dark brown and a skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. - Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges and transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Pain d’Épices ( French spiced bread )
This spiced rye loaf is best served at room temperature or lightly toasted. For an authentic experience, pair it with butter, fruit preserves, or even a dollop of foie gras. It’s a classic French treat that works wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Store Pain d’Épices
Store any leftover Pain d’Épices in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It will stay good for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it, but be sure to wrap it tightly to preserve its flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Pain d’Épices
- Let It Rest: For a softer texture, let the loaf rest overnight before slicing. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the loaf easier to slice.
- Pairing Suggestions: This loaf pairs beautifully with butter, fresh fruit preserves, or even cheese for a savory twist.
- Customize: Add nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds, or include dried fruit like figs or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
Variation Ideas
Looking to experiment with flavors? You can switch up the spices or add ingredients like chopped dried fruit or nuts. Adding a bit of chocolate or a touch of orange zest can provide a delightful twist to this classic recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Substitute Rye Flour with Another Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or all-purpose flour, though rye flour provides the most authentic taste and texture for Pain d’Épices. - Can I Add Nuts or Dried Fruit?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or dried figs are great additions to this loaf, adding texture and flavor. - Is Pain d’Épices a Cake or a Bread?
While it’s denser than a traditional cake, Pain d’Épices is softer than typical bread. It’s a perfect in-between treat with the richness of cake and the heartiness of bread.
Enjoy This Traditional French Pain d’Épices
With its warm, fragrant spices and subtle sweetness, Pain d’Épices is a delightful loaf that brings a touch of French baking to any occasion. Perfect for tea time or a cozy breakfast, this simple yet flavorful bread is sure to become a favorite!