Delightful Soft Homemade Spice Bread

This soft spiced honey bread without eggs or butter has become my holiday season must-have. Its tender texture and warming flavors make it a simple yet irresistible treat, perfect with afternoon tea or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

I've been making this spiced honey bread since my Alsatian grandma shared her family recipe. Every winter, its aroma filling our home officially kicks off our holiday season.

Ingredients

• 250 g all-purpose flour: creates an airy, light structure
• 200 g flower or acacia honey: adds balanced sweetness
• 100 g dark brown muscovado sugar: brings caramel-like richness
• 1 packet baking powder: key for that soft texture
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: the trick to making your bread fluffy
• 1 tablespoon spice blend: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, anise and cloves for that signature smell
• 25 cl warm milk: moistens the batter without hardening the honey
• 1 pinch salt: boosts all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting your oven and pan ready:

Heat your oven to 160°C with fan circulation for gentle, even baking. Thoroughly butter your loaf pan then lightly dust with flour, tapping out any extra. If you prefer, just line the pan with parchment paper cut to fit.

Making the batter:

Gently warm the honey in a small pot or microwave for 20-30 seconds until runny but not hot. In a big bowl, combine all dry stuff - flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt. Pour the warm honey and milk over these dry ingredients. Stir gently at first with a spatula, then more firmly until you get a smooth batter with no lumps.

Baking it right:

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Bake in the middle of your oven for 45-50 minutes. After 40 minutes, check if it's done by sticking a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, your spiced bread is ready. If not, bake for another 5 minutes and check again.

Cooling and flavor development:

Take the pan out and let it cool on a rack for about 15 minutes. Carefully remove the still-warm bread from the pan and let it cool completely on the rack. For best results, wrap it in plastic and wait 24 hours before eating. This resting time helps the flavors grow stronger and the texture get even softer.

The first time I made this spiced bread was for a neighborhood Christmas market. I loved watching faces light up with the first bite, rediscovering this classic in its most authentic, moist version. Honey truly stars in this recipe. I suggest using quality local honey since its flavor directly shapes your final result.

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Perfect Storage

This spiced bread gets better with time. Keep it wrapped in plastic film or in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. It'll actually become moister and more flavorful after 2 or 3 days. For longer storage, slice it up and freeze it. Each slice can be thawed individually whenever you want one.

Tasty Variations

You can customize this basic recipe however you want. Try adding 80 g of candied orange pieces chopped small or 60 g of toasted crushed hazelnuts for extra texture. For a more festive version, splash in 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier or dark rum to the batter. If you like stronger flavors, slightly increase the spice amount or add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.

Serving Suggestions

In Alsace, folks traditionally enjoy this spiced bread plain for breakfast or afternoon snack with tea or coffee. For something more indulgent, spread it with lightly salted butter or bitter orange marmalade. It's also a perfect match for foie gras during holiday meals, creating a delicious sweet-savory contrast. You can turn it into an elegant dessert by lightly toasting a slice and topping it with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm honey.

Pro Tips

• Pick mild liquid honey like acacia for a lighter result or chestnut honey for a stronger taste
• For perfect unmolding wait until your bread has cooled slightly but is still warm
• If you're making it days ahead put half an apple slice in the storage container to keep it moist

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you store soft spiced bread?

Wrap it in food wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.

→ Can I customize this bread?

You can definitely add candied orange pieces, crushed hazelnuts or tweak the spices to match your taste preferences.

→ How long should I wait before eating the spiced bread?

It's best to wait a full day after baking so all the flavors can fully develop.

→ What's the right oven temperature for baking?

Heat your oven to 160°C with fan circulation for the best results.

→ Are there other ways to enjoy this bread besides eating it plain?

It's really good with butter spread on top or served alongside foie gras.