Go Back
+ servings
French Gingerbread Cakes

French Gingerbread Cakes: Sweet Jam-Filled Delights To Love

Discover the magic of French Gingerbread Cakes, also known as Nonnettes, filled with jam and topped with zesty lemon glaze.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cakes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup Pure Honey Maple syrup can substitute for a different sweetness profile.
  • 1 cup Packed Dark Brown Sugar Light brown sugar can be used for a milder taste.
  • 1/2 cup Water Use less if substituting all-purpose flour for rye.
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Margarine is a dairy-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Neutral Tasting Oil Canola oil works similarly.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Essential for a perfect rise.
  • 1 cup Rye Flour Adds a distinctive flavor and density.
  • 1 tablespoon Homemade Pain d’épices Spice Blend Enhances the gingerbread quality.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Helps the cakes rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances all flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon Rum Optional for flavor depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Offers aromatic sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Orange Zest Lemon zest can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Acts as a binder.
For the Jam Filling
  • 1 teaspoon Black Currant Jam Use alternatives like orange marmalade, blueberry, or blackberry if desired.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Essential for making the glaze smooth.
  • 2 tablespoons Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice Adds acidity to brighten the glaze.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring Utensils
  • Mini Cheesecake or Muffin Pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your mini cheesecake or muffin pan by greasing it lightly.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine unsalted butter, neutral oil, water, honey, and packed dark brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, rye flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and homemade Pain d’épices spice blend.
  4. Pour the warm honey mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, then add rum, vanilla extract, orange zest, and egg yolk.
  5. Fill your pan molds about two-thirds full with batter and create small indentations in the center of each.
  6. Place about a teaspoon of jam into each indentation and cover with more batter to seal.
  7. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Once cakes are out, spoon the glaze over them.
  9. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cakeCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!