Description
Delicate French honey spice cakes whisper sweet memories of Parisian bakeries. Warm spices and golden honey create a delightful balance, inviting you to savor each tender crumb of this classic French treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (200 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (80 g) rye flour
- ½ cup pure honey
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons neutral tasting oil
- ¾ cup water
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 tablespoon homemade pain d’épices spice blend
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Additional Flavoring and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon rum
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
- Black currant jam
Lemon Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients and equipment, preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack positioned in the middle.
- In a medium saucepan, gently combine unsalted butter, vegetable oil, water, honey, and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
- Remove the honey mixture from heat and let it cool slightly while maintaining its warm temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and mixed spice blend until well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the warm honey mixture into it, stirring carefully to prevent lumps from forming.
- Incorporate rum, pure vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and egg yolk into the batter, mixing until a uniform consistency is achieved.
- Generously grease a mini cheesecake or muffin pan with butter, ensuring each cavity is completely coated.
- Fill each mold 1/2 to 2/3 full with the spiced batter, then add a small teaspoon of fruit jam to the center of each cake.
- Optional: Cover the jam with an additional layer of batter for a surprise filling effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
- While cakes are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and slightly translucent.
- Once baked, remove cakes from the oven and immediately drizzle with the lemon glaze while still warm.
- Allow cakes to cool completely in the pan before gently removing them.
- Transfer to an airtight container for storage, where they will remain fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature.
Notes
- Versatile Treat: These mini French honey spice cakes are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or a sweet breakfast companion.
- Spice Blend Magic: The combination of warm spices creates a deeply aromatic and rich flavor profile that elevates this traditional French dessert.
- Jam Surprise: Adding a teaspoon of jam in the center creates a delightful hidden filling that adds moisture and unexpected sweetness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These cakes can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container, making them excellent for entertaining or meal prep.
- Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different jam flavors or swap rum with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Serving Tip: Serve slightly warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg