As the aroma of warm spices fills the kitchen, I can’t help but feel transported to a quaint French patisserie. Nonnettes are a delightful discovery that adds a touch of French flair to your dessert table. These traditional French gingerbread cakes, bursting with sweet jam and cloaked in a tangy lemon glaze, offer a scrumptious escape from ordinary treats. Not only are they easy to whip up, but they also allow for endless variations, whether it’s swapping out the jam for a zingy orange marmalade or trying a unique spice blend. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring alongside your afternoon coffee, these cakes are sure to elevate your baking game. Ready to impress your taste buds with some homemade magic? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Why are Nonnettes so irresistible?
Uniqueness in Flavor: Each bite of these gingerbread cakes is a delightful mix of spices and citrus notes, with variations in jam that keep it fresh and exciting.
Endless Customization: Whether you prefer orange marmalade or blackcurrant jam, you can easily adapt the filling to your taste, making every batch a new experience.
Simplicity in Preparation: With just a few straightforward steps, you’re on your way to creating gourmet treats without the fuss, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Cultural Charm: These cakes are steeped in history, bringing a piece of French culinary magic right to your kitchen.
Perfect for Sharing: Treat your family and friends with these delightful bites, or enjoy them as a cozy snack with your evening tea. You might also love to try our delicious Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for a different sweet option!
French Gingerbread Cake Ingredients
• Prepare to create delectable Nonnettes with these essential ingredients.
For the Batter
- Pure Honey – Adds natural sweetness; substitute with agave syrup for a vegan option.
- Dark Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and depth of flavor; light brown sugar may alter the taste slightly.
- Water – Hydrates the batter; adjust quantity if using all-purpose flour instead of rye.
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; margarine can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Neutral-tasting Oil – Adds moisture and improves texture; light olive oil or melted coconut oil work well.
- All-purpose Flour – Forms the base structure of the cakes.
- Rye Flour – Contributes a slight density and unique flavor; substitute with more all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- Homemade Pain d’épices Spice Blend – Essential for flavor; avoid store-bought blends for best results.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spiciness.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Both are leavening agents that help the cakes rise.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavors.
- Rum – Adds depth of flavor; optional but recommended.
- Vanilla Extract – Complements the gingerbread spices.
- Fresh Orange Zest – Infuses a fresh citrus note; can substitute with lemon zest.
- Large Egg Yolk – Binds the ingredients; can omit for a vegan version and replace with a flax egg.
For the Filling
- Black Currant Jam – Traditional filling; replace with orange marmalade, blueberry, or blackberry jam for variation.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Essential for making the glaze; provides a sweet finish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness in the glaze.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Irresistible Nonnettes: Traditional French Gingerbread Cakes with Jam
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your baking adventure by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a well-heated environment for your French gingerbread cakes, which will help them rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and equipment, including a mini cheesecake pan for perfectly shaped Nonnettes.
Step 2: Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, neutral-tasting oil, water, pure honey, and dark brown sugar over medium heat. Stir them together until melted, creating a warm and fragrant mixture. Once fully combined, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, rye flour (if using), baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and your homemade Pain d’épices spice blend. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the spices and ensuring a well-flavored batter for your Nonnettes. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no visible lumps.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Carefully pour the warm honey mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until well combined, creating a smooth batter. Then, incorporate the optional rum, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest into the batter along with a large egg yolk. The warmth from the honey mix will help bind the ingredients, leading to a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Prepare the Muffin Pan
Generously butter a mini cheesecake pan, ensuring each mold is well-coated to allow for easy removal later. Fill each mold about two-thirds full with the sticky batter. As you fill, create a little indentation in the center of each for the jam filling. The batter should look glossy and slightly thick, perfect for holding the jam later.
Step 6: Add the Jam Filling
Place a teaspoon of your chosen black currant jam, or whatever variation you prefer, into each indentation you’ve created in the batter. Optionally, if desired, you can add a little more batter on top to completely cover the jam. This extra layer will create a delightful surprise once baked, allowing the flavor to seep through.
Step 7: Bake the Nonnettes
Transfer the filled mini cheesecake pan into your preheated oven. Bake the French gingerbread cakes for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. They will spring back when lightly pressed, indicating that they are perfectly baked. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the Nonnettes are baking, prepare the tangy lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Aim for a smooth consistency that is pourable. This glaze will not only sweeten your cakes but will also provide a delightful contrast to the warm spices of the gingerbread.
Step 9: Glaze the Warm Cakes
Once the Nonnettes are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the warm lemon glaze over each cake while they are still in the pan. Allow the glaze to seep into the warm cakes for extra flavor. The combination of sweet jam and zesty lemon will create an irresistible treat.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the Nonnettes cool in the mold for a few minutes before carefully removing them. This ensures they hold their shape while cooling. Serve them slightly warm or at room temperature, alongside a comforting cup of tea or coffee. Their moist texture and delightful flavors make them a perfect homemade indulgence.
What to Serve with Irresistible Nonnettes: Traditional French Gingerbread Cakes with Jam
As you savor the rich flavors and warm spices of these delightful cakes, consider pairing them with charming accompaniments that enhance the experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The savory and buttery flavors of this classic dish balance beautifully with the sweetness of the Nonnettes, making for an intriguing contrast.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruit adds a refreshing touch to your dessert table, playing off the sweetness of the jam-filled gingerbread cakes.
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Rich Coffee or Tea: The deep flavors of a well-brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea complement the aromatic spices in the Nonnettes while providing a comforting pairing.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert experience, creating a delightful mix of temperature and texture on your palate.
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Citrus Sorbet: The lightness and tanginess of sorbet enhance the zesty lemon glaze, cleansing the palate and adding a pop of flavor.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling a bit of warm ganache over your Nonnettes adds that extra luscious touch, perfect for chocolate lovers looking to indulge further.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel can enhance the rich flavors, adding a sweet, buttery experience to each bite.
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Spiced Almond Milk: A warm mug of spiced almond milk offers an inviting alternative to traditional beverages, harmonizing well with the warm spices in your cakes.
Make Ahead Options
Making these French Gingerbread Cakes ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious moments during busy days! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the wet and dry ingredients together, storing the unbaked batter in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, fill the mini cheesecake pan and insert your jam fillings, then pop them in the oven for fresh, warm cakes anytime. Additionally, you can make the glaze and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just give it a quick whisk before drizzling over the Nonnettes upon serving. This means you can enjoy delicious, homemade French gingerbread cakes with minimal fuss!
French Gingerbread Cakes Variations
Feel free to tweak your Nonnettes recipe to tantalize your taste buds further and make it truly your own!
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Fruit Preserves: Experiment with fillings like apricot or lemon curd for a fresh twist. Each variant enhances the cakes’ flavor in delightful ways.
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Spice Variations: Incorporate cardamom or nutmeg into your spice blend for a creative flavor explosion. These warming spices bring a new depth to your Nonnettes.
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Holiday Cheer: For a festive option, consider filling them with spiced apple butter. It’ll transport you to cozy holiday gatherings with just one bite!
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious!
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Vegan Delight: Replace honey with agave syrup and use a flax egg instead of a yolk for a fully plant-based version. Don’t forget to check out my Vegan Biscoff Cheesecakes for more vegan ideas!
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Citrus Zest: Swap in lemon for orange zest for a brighter, sharper flavor. This small change can take your cakes to a whole new level of tanginess.
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Expanded Jam Collection: Use blueberry or blackberry jam for a change of pace. The sweet and tart notes will add a delightful twist to your dessert table.
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Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of finely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and richness. The crunch pairs beautifully with the moist cakes!
These suggestions will elevate your French gingerbread cakes from wonderful to utterly irresistible! Enjoy sharing these delightful Nonnettes with family and friends while savoring the wonderful flavors together, just like you’d love with a batch of warm Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.
Expert Tips for French Gingerbread Cakes
- Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh and quality spices, especially for the homemade spice blend; it significantly enhances the flavor of your French gingerbread cakes.
- Jam Placement: To prevent jam from sinking during baking, consider making your batter slightly thicker by adding a little more flour.
- Pan Choice: For best results, use a mini cheesecake pan. It offers the perfect shape for the Nonnettes and makes for easier removal; muffin pans can work too but may yield uneven shapes.
- Cooling Time: Allow the Nonnettes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from breaking apart.
- Glaze Tips: Drizzle the glaze while the cakes are still warm; this allows the glaze to soak into the cakes, enhancing their overall flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative with your jam fillings! Using a variety like orange marmalade or even spiced apple butter can add a unique twist to your French gingerbread cakes.
How to Store and Freeze Nonnettes
Room Temperature: Store your Nonnettes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their moist texture.
Fridge: If you prefer longer freshness, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Nonnettes by wrapping each cake tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen French gingerbread cakes, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive their delightful texture.
Nonnettes (French Gingerbread Cakes) Recipe FAQs
What type of jam should I use for my Nonnettes?
Absolutely! You can use any favorite jam. Black currant is traditional, but orange marmalade, strawberry, or even blueberry work splendidly. Just remember to choose a jam with a thickness that won’t leak out during baking.
How should I store my Nonnettes once baked?
To keep your French gingerbread cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you’re extending their life, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying them for the best flavor.
Can I freeze Nonnettes? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Nonnettes! Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
What if the jam sinks in the batter during baking?
Very! To avoid jam sinking to the bottom of your French gingerbread cakes, consider adding a bit more flour to your batter to thicken it. This will help the batter hold the jam in place while baking, creating that delightful surprise filling.
Are there any dietary considerations for making Nonnettes?
Yes! If you’re seeking a vegan option, simply substitute the honey with agave syrup and replace the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). For guests with allergies, be mindful of the flour and any added ingredients, ensuring a safe and delicious treat for all.
Can I customize the spices in the recipe?
For sure! Feel free to experiment with different spices. Adding cardamom or nutmeg can give your Nonnettes a unique flavor profile. Just keep in mind that every spice shift adds a new dimension of warmth and aroma to these delightful French gingerbread cakes!
Delicious French Gingerbread Cakes with Irresistible Jam Filling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather your ingredients and equipment.
- Melt butter, oil, water, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk together all-purpose flour, rye flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and spice blend in a mixing bowl.
- Combine warm honey mixture with dry ingredients, stir until smooth, then add rum, vanilla extract, orange zest, and egg yolk.
- Butter a mini cheesecake pan and fill molds two-thirds with batter, creating an indentation for jam.
- Add a teaspoon of jam to each indentation, optionally cover with more batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to prepare the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm cakes in the pan, allowing it to soak in.
- Let cool for a few minutes before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.