Pin it
This soft, aromatic spice bread fills your kitchen with cinnamon, ginger, and citrus scents, bringing winter warmth and holiday cheer. Inspired by Christophe Michalak's approach, this comforting treat adds a festive touch to your sweet moments.
The wonder of spiced bread
This version stands out with its incredibly soft texture and mouth-popping flavors of spices and citrus. It's nothing like store-bought versions that often lack character. I really love enjoying it with a hot cup of tea on cold winter afternoons, it's truly a comfort moment.
Shopping list for your creation
Start with 150g water to help bring out all the flavors. Grab 150g honey - I love using mountain honey for its unique richness. Toss in 25g of whole sugar for those yummy caramel notes we all crave. A good pinch of salt is a must. For the magical spice mix: 4g of homemade spice blend. The zest that makes all the difference: one yellow lemon, two limes and a fragrant orange. Don't forget 6g star anise for that subtle licorice touch. Add 100g butter for softness, 150g of T55 flour and 5g baking powder for just the right texture.
Step-by-step guide
Begin with the infusion that gives this cake its character. Heat the water, honey, butter, sugar, salt, spices, star anise and citrus zests in a pot until boiling. Cover and let it steep for 25 minutes to work its magic. Meanwhile, mix flour and baking powder in a bowl. Pour your strained infusion over this mixture, gently whisking. The batter should turn out smooth and silky. Pour into a greased and floured loaf pan, then bake at 180°C for 25 minutes. Pro tip: check if it's done by sticking a knife in - it should come out clean. Cool slightly before unmolding and wrap in food film to keep it moist.
Pin it
The finishing touch
For a truly irresistible spice bread, here's my little secret: homemade light glaze. Just warm up some apricot jam with a bit of water and brush it over the cooled cake. This gives it not only a nice shine but also an extra touch of sweetness. It's the small detail that makes all the difference both for your eyes and taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long can this spiced cake last?
- This cake stays good for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temp. The flavors even deepen after a few days.
- → Can the spice mix be swapped?
- Sure, you can create a blend using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. Adjust amounts to suit your taste.
- → How do you know when the cake is done?
- Insert a knife in the middle; it should come out clean and dry. The top should be slightly raised and golden, with an even tone.
- → Why wrap the cake in plastic film?
- This keeps the cake moist and soft. Trapped steam also enhances the flavors of the spices.
- → Can this spiced cake be frozen?
- Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to lock in its aroma and texture.