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Delicious Spiced Cake

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

Christophe Michalak’s refined version of traditional spiced cake. Citrus zest and star anise add a unique freshness to this flavorful, moist dessert.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:56:14 GMT
A loaf-shaped dessert glazed with honey, garnished with star anise, and served with slices of orange and lime. Pin it
A loaf-shaped dessert glazed with honey, garnished with star anise, and served with slices of orange and lime. | tasteofsavor.com

Soft and aromatic spice bread fills your kitchen with cinnamon, ginger, and citrus scents, warmly welcoming winter and holiday season vibes. This treat, drawing inspiration from Christophe Michalak, gives you a comforting cake that's just right for adding a festive touch to your snack times.

The wonder of this spice bread

This version stands out with its incredibly soft texture and mouth-popping flavors of spices and citrus. It's nothing like those bland store-bought options that often lack character. I really enjoy it with a hot cup of tea during cold winter afternoons - it's truly a moment of comfort.

Shopping list for your creation

Start with 150g of water to help bring out all the flavors. Grab 150g of honey - I personally love using mountain honey for its unique richness. Throw in 25g of brown 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 one fragrant orange. Don't forget 6g of star anise for that subtle licorice hint. Add 100g of butter for softness, 150g of T55 flour and 5g of baking powder for the perfect texture.

Step-by-step guide

Begin with the infusion that gives the cake its personality. Heat water, honey, butter, sugar, salt, spices, star anise and your citrus zests in a pot until it bubbles. Cover and let it sit for 25 minutes so the flavors can blend. Meanwhile, mix flour and baking powder in a bowl. Pour your strained infusion over this mixture while gently whisking. The batter should look smooth and silky. Pour into a buttered 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. Let it cool a bit before removing from the pan, then wrap in plastic to keep it moist.

A cake-like dessert drizzled with caramel, garnished with star anise and an orange slice. Pin it
A cake-like dessert drizzled with caramel, garnished with star anise and an orange slice. | tasteofsavor.com

The finishing touch

For a truly irresistible spice bread, here's my little trick: homemade light glaze. Just warm up some apricot jam with a bit of water and brush it on top of the cooled cake. This doesn't just make it look shiny but adds an extra touch of sweetness too. It's that small detail that makes a huge difference both for your eyes and taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does spiced cake stay fresh?
The spiced cake keeps for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. Its flavors even deepen after a couple of days.
→ Can I swap the pre-made spice mix?
Absolutely! Make your own blend with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. Adjust the ratios to fit your taste.
→ How do you check if the spiced cake is done?
Stick a knife in the middle of the cake; it should come out clean. The top should be slightly domed and have a golden, even color.
→ Why wrap spiced cake in plastic wrap?
It locks in moisture and keeps the cake soft. The trapped steam also helps enhance the flavor of the spices.
→ Can you freeze spiced cake?
Yes, it freezes well for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to keep its flavor and texture intact.

Spiced Cake Michalak

A soft, aromatic spiced cake with citrus zest, elevated by Chef Michalak's talent. A classy take on a traditional favorite.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 150 g of honey.
02 150 g of water.
03 1 pinch of salt.
04 6 g of star anise (badiane).
05 25 g of raw sugar.
06 Zest from one lemon.
07 Zests from 2 limes.
08 Zest from an orange.
09 4 g of spice mix for gingerbread.
10 150 g of all-purpose flour.
11 100 g of butter.
12 5 g of baking powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Add water, honey, sugar, salt, spice blend, citrus zests, star anise, and butter to a pot. Heat it up until it boils, then cover and let the flavors soak together for 25 minutes.

Step 02

Take a large bowl and combine the flour with the baking powder. Strain the infused mixture over the flour, then whisk until it turns into a smooth batter.

Step 03

Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for about 25 minutes.

Step 04

Let it cool slightly before taking it out of the pan. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it cool completely. Optionally, brush it with blond glaze for shine.

Notes

  1. Created by the renowned pastry chef Christophe Michalak, this gingerbread stands out with its citrus hints and soft texture.
  2. Wrapping helps lock in moisture and develop the flavors.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pot.
  • Loaf pan.
  • Fine mesh strainer.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten.
  • Contains dairy products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 225
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 3 g