Honey breads, or “pão de mel,” are a delicious, moist treat that has become a favorite in many households. With their rich flavor and sweetness from honey and spices, they are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a special celebration.
The unique part of honey bread is the filling, which adds a surprise element and takes it to the next level.
This guide will walk you through the process of making filled honey breads, from preparing the dough to adding the delicious filling.
Ingredients for Honey Bread Dough
First, let’s gather the ingredients needed for the dough. This combination will give your honey bread the perfect texture and flavor:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
For the filling, you can get creative! Here are some popular fillings you can use for your honey bread:
- Chocolate Ganache: A smooth, rich chocolate filling that complements the warm spices of the bread.
- Dulce de Leche: A sweet caramel-like filling that pairs perfectly with honey bread.
- Fruit Jam: Apricot or strawberry jam works wonderfully for a fruity twist.
- Nutella: For a hazelnut-chocolate flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Preparing the Dough
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt into a large bowl. This step ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and honey to the butter-sugar mixture and continue to beat until smooth. Then, add the milk and mix until everything is combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything comes together into a dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to work with when rolling it out.
Preparing the Filling
While the dough chills, prepare your filling. If you’re using chocolate ganache, simply melt chocolate with heavy cream over a double boiler until smooth.
For dulce de leche, you can use store-bought or homemade caramelized condensed milk. If you’re using jam, simply stir it until smooth, making sure it’s easy to spread.
Step 1: Chocolate Ganache Filling
To make chocolate ganache, melt 200g of chocolate and mix it with 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir until smooth, and allow it to cool before using it as a filling.
Step 2: Dulce de Leche Filling
If using dulce de leche, just scoop it out of the jar or can and set it aside. This caramel filling works wonderfully when it’s slightly warmed up.
Step 3: Jam Filling
For fruit jam, choose your preferred flavor, and heat it gently to make it easier to spread.
Assembling the Filled Honey Breads
Step 1: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Place a small amount of your chosen filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may leak out during baking. You want enough filling to add flavor without overwhelming the dough.
Step 3: Seal the Dough
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a small pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal the honey bread and prevent the filling from leaking out.
You can gently roll the dough in your hands to make it round or shape it into small oval-shaped buns.
Step 4: Bake the Honey Breads
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the filled honey breads on the sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. The filling should be melted and gooey inside.
Step 5: Glaze (Optional)
Once the honey breads are baked, you can add a finishing touch by glazing them with a simple honey syrup.
To make the syrup, heat 1/4 cup of honey in a small saucepan until it becomes runny. Brush this syrup over the hot honey breads to add extra shine and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Filled honey breads are the perfect combination of soft, flavorful dough and a sweet surprise in the center.
They are ideal for special occasions, as gifts, or as a treat for family and friends. With the versatility of the fillings, you can create endless variations to suit different tastes.
Whether you choose chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or fruit jam, these treats are sure to be a hit!