French Honey Spice Cakes

Looking for a delicious and unique treat to impress your family and friends? These French Honey Spice Cakes, inspired by the classic Pain d’épices, are the perfect choice. Infused with warm spices, honey, and a hint of rum, these cakes are topped off with a tangy lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of zest. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

Cake Batter

• 1/2 cup pure honey
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 3/4 cup water (adjust based on flour type)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons neutral-tasting oil
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (200 g)
• 3/4 cup rye flour (80 g) (adjust for texture preference)
• 1 tablespoon Homemade Pain d’épices Spice Blend
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon rum
• 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
• 1 large egg yolk
• Black currant jam (alternative: orange marmalade, blueberry, or blackberry jam)

Lemon Glaze

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and oil.
   • Add water, honey, and dark brown sugar to the saucepan, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
   • Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rye flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and Pain d’épices spice blend.
4. Mix Batter:
   • Pour the warm honey mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.
   • Stir to combine until the mixture is smooth.
   • Add the rum, vanilla extract, orange zest, and egg yolk, mixing well.
5. Prepare Baking Molds:
   • Butter a mini cheesecake pan or muffin pan to prevent sticking.
   • Fill each mold halfway to two-thirds full with batter.
   • Add a teaspoon of black currant jam to each mold and cover with additional batter if desired.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the cakes for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare Lemon Glaze:
   • While the cakes are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth.
8. Glaze and Cool:
   • Once the cakes are done baking, glaze them while they are still warm for the best absorption.
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the molds before removing them.
9. Store:
   • Store the cakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Enjoy!

These French Honey Spice Cakes are perfect for any occasion. The combination of honey, spices, and citrus, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze, makes these cakes a delightful treat. Whether you serve them at a tea party, a family gathering, or just enjoy them with a cup of coffee, they are sure to be a hit!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 210 per serving
Servings: 18 cakes

Happy baking!