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December 9, 2015

French Spice Bread – Pain d’Épices (Grain-Free, Paleo)

A hearty honeyed French spice bread reminiscent of gingerbread.

French Spice Bread - Pain D’Epices (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

 

One of my very favorite quick breads to make around the holidays is pain d’épices.

It’s a classic this time of year due to its aromatic blend of seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves but this fragrant honey spice loaf is well suited for the holidays and beyond.

French Spice Bread - Pain D’Epices (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Pain d’epices is somewhat like France’s version of gingerbread, although more delicately spiced and with undertones of honey instead of molasses.  Bakery windows are often lined with neatly wrapped loaves ready for gifting all year-long.

It’s a hearty loaf that whose distinctive flavor improves with an overnight rest, as the flavors of honey and spice mingle and meld together.

French Spice Bread - Pain D’Epices (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

 

My version uses a blend of cashew and almond butter instead of flour to which a melody of spices are added.  There’s cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and a hint of black pepper for heat.  Orange zest and orange blossom honey give the bread an almost floral note, and anise a mild licorice-like sweetness.

It makes for a terrific afternoon snack with a cup to tea or lightly toasted in the morning for breakfast.  I like to eat mine with a spoonful of cherry preserves or drizzled with extra honey.  The recipe makes two small loaves, one for giving and one for eating.

Enjoy!

French Spice Bread - Pain d’Épices (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Yields 2 six inch loaves

A hearty honeyed French spice bread.

45 minPrep Time

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Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup/128g cashew butter
  • ½ cup/128g roasted almond butter (smooth)
  • ½ cup/120ml orange blossom honey
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • ½ inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground aniseed
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black or white pepper
  • The zest of 1 medium orange
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Prepare two 6 inch loaf pans.
  2. Whisk together the eggs, cashew butter and almond butter until smooth. Stir in honey, spices, orange zest and baking soda until well combined.
  3. Scrape the batter into the prepared pans and place on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until the loaves are puffed and browned and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the loaves to a rack and let cool to room temperature.

Notes

Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo

NOTE: The loaves can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories

4 cal

Carbs

1 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Filed Under: Breakfast, Courses/Meal, Diets, Fall, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Recipes, Season, Snacks, Sweets, Winter Tagged With: bread, gingerbread, holidays, loaf

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  1. Karen @ The Food Charlatan says

    December 9, 2015 at 2:30 am

    I love the look of this bread! That shine on top, mm. And the flavor sounds amazing, I love variations on gingerbread!
    Reply
  2. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says

    December 9, 2015 at 3:58 am

    Such a gorgeous loaf!! I could dive in right now!
    Reply
  3. Linda Spiker says

    December 9, 2015 at 4:04 am

    Lovely! This bread sounds like the perfect gf option for the holidays. Pinning.
    Reply
  4. Paula - bell'alimento says

    December 9, 2015 at 5:21 am

    That is one beautiful loaf of bread. Pain delicious ; )
    Reply
  5. Nutmeg Nanny says

    December 9, 2015 at 7:01 am

    I love gingerbread but have never had this bread. I think I would go crazy over a slice.
    Reply
  6. Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says

    December 9, 2015 at 10:22 am

    This looks amazing! Trying this for sure!
    Reply
  7. Linda | The Baker Who Kerns says

    December 9, 2015 at 10:54 am

    This spice bread is great! I'm very happy that its gluten, dairy and refined sugar free. It is tricky around the holiday seasons to still enjoy the sweets you like but also trying to find sweets that don't hurt your stomach! Definitely saving this so I can make it for my health conscious family this Christmas!
    Reply
  8. Julie @ Tastes of Lizzy T says

    December 9, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Oh my...this sounds amazing. I can only imagine how this makes your house smell while it is baking!
    Reply
  9. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

    December 9, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    I bet that that bread smells so good when it's in the oven!
    Reply
  10. Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says

    December 9, 2015 at 2:57 pm

    Fabulous holiday spice loaf, Sylvie! Your gorgeous photography is making me drool right now for a slice with some honey butter. Mmmm. :) Thanks for sharing, my friend. Cannot wait to make this sweet spiced loaf for the holidays. Pinned!
    Reply
  11. Amanda | The Chunky Chef says

    December 9, 2015 at 5:13 pm

    Whoa... cashew butter AND almond butter? Sign me up!!
    Reply
  12. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    December 9, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    What a lovely loaf, this would be perfect with my afternoon tea!
    Reply
  13. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

    December 9, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    This sounds delicious! I have never heard of this bread before. I love all of those beautiful flavors! Pinning.
    Reply
  14. Madame Thermomix says

    December 10, 2015 at 2:39 am

    You've done it again, Sylvie! Another must-make recipe for my list. I am totally intrigued as to how eggs, nut butters and spices can possibly bake into a loaf and you're a genius for dreaming up this recipe! Many thanks, I shall report back on my success ;-)
    Reply
  15. Amy Stafford says

    December 10, 2015 at 6:25 am

    Such a wonderful bread. Perfect for the holidays.
    Reply
  16. tanya says

    December 10, 2015 at 8:26 am

    I love the dep rich color in this bread. What a fabulous gift to hand out during the holidays!
    Reply
  17. Amanda says

    December 10, 2015 at 10:06 am

    This looks delicious, I have never thought of using nut butters in place of flour, can't wait to try!
    Reply
  18. Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says

    December 17, 2015 at 4:23 am

    What a beautiful loaf! I can't believe there's no flour -- what a great recipe!
    Reply
  19. Kelly@TheNourishingHome says

    December 18, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    Wow! Absolutely gorgeous! I'm so excited to give this a try. It looks so festive and delicious! Merry Christmas! Hope you're enjoying special blessings with your little one!
    Reply
    • Sylvie says

      December 19, 2015 at 8:05 pm

      Thank you Kelly, wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas as well!
      Reply
  20. Lindsay Lester says

    March 21, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Hi, I would like to make this but have no cashew butter - could I sub it with more almond butter? Or I also have sunflower seed butter... Help? :)
    Reply
    • Sylvie says

      March 21, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      HI Lindsay, Almond butter will work but the loaf will be darker and have a slightly more pronounced flavor.
      Reply
  21. Kelly Cattani says

    April 8, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    Great recipe. Thanks so much for posting it.
    Reply
  22. Magda VELECKY says

    September 15, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    Stupid question, but when you say a 6" pan, do you mean 6" in length?
    Reply
    • Sylvie says

      October 7, 2018 at 12:55 am

      Yes, these are made in mini loaf pans that are 6 inches in length.
      Reply

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