Authentic Brazilian Pão de Mel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of honey
  • 1 cup of chocolate powder
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tablespoon of ground cloves
  • 1/2 tablespoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tablespoon of ground ginger
  • 2 eggs
  • 300g of semi-sweet chocolate for coating

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, chocolate powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
  3. In another bowl, mix the honey, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. While the cake is cooling, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
  7. Once the cake is cool, cut it into squares and dip each piece into the melted chocolate, making sure all sides are coated.
  8. Place the coated squares on a wire rack and let the chocolate harden.
  9. Once the chocolate has hardened, your Pão de Mel is ready to serve!

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dry and wet ingredients.
  • Cake Pan - A pan to bake the cake in.
  • Double Boiler - Used to melt the chocolate.
  • Wire Rack - To place the coated squares on for the chocolate to harden.
  • Toothpick - To check if the cake is fully baked.
  • Spatula - To mix the batter and scrape the sides of the bowl.
  • Measuring Cups - To measure the ingredients accurately.
  • Whisk - To blend the wet ingredients together.
  • Knife - To cut the cake into squares.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
  • Add nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Replace the honey with maple syrup or molasses for a different flavor profile.
  • Instead of chocolate powder, use matcha powder or ground coffee for a unique twist.
  • Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
  • Include a layer of dulce de leche or caramel between the cake and the chocolate coating.
  • Make it vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs and using dairy-free milk and chocolate.
  • Create a crust by mixing crushed cookies or graham crackers with melted butter and pressing it into the bottom of the cake pan before adding the batter.
  • Add a splash of rum, brandy, or your favorite liquor to the batter for an adult twist.

Recipe overview

Pão de Mel is a traditional Brazilian dessert that literally translates to "Honey Bread." Despite its name, this sweet treat is more of a cake than a bread, and is filled with warming spices and coated in rich, melted chocolate. Expect a soft and moist texture, with the delightful kick of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, and the indulgent coating of semi-sweet chocolate. This recipe will guide you through the steps of baking and assembling your Pão de Mel, resulting in a delicious treat that's perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring on your own. Dig in and enjoy the unique flavors of this Brazilian delight!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
  2. Can I use another sweetener instead of honey?
    Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or molasses as a substitute for honey.
  3. Can I use another type of chocolate for coating?
    Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for coating.
  4. Can I omit the spices?
    Yes, you can omit the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger if you prefer a plain flavor.
  5. Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the recipe?
    Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) or dried fruits (such as raisins or chopped dates) to the batter for added texture and flavor.
  6. How should I store Pão de Mel?
    Store Pão de Mel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  7. Can I freeze Pão de Mel?
    Yes, you can freeze Pão de Mel. Place the individually wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - You will need at least two mixing bowls to separate dry and wet ingredients and mix them together.
  • Whisk - A whisk is helpful for combining the ingredients smoothly without lumps.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - You will need these to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Cake pan - A cake pan is necessary to bake the Pão de Mel.
  • Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl - You will need a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate for coating.
  • Wire rack - A wire rack is useful for allowing the chocolate to harden after coating the Pão de Mel squares.
  • Toothpicks - Toothpicks can be used to test the doneness of the cake by inserting them into the center.

Origin stories

Pão de Mel, with its heartwarming blend of spices and rich chocolate coating, has a fascinating origin story tracing back to Europe. It's believed that Pão de Mel was first created by the monks of a European monastery during the Middle Ages. The monks utilized the honey from their own hives to develop this delectable treat, which was initially crafted as a sort of spiced honey bread. It was initially used as a form of sustenance during long periods of fasting. Over time, the recipe evolved and traveled, with each region adding its own distinct touch. When it journeyed to Brazil with the Portuguese colonists, chocolate, a beloved ingredient in the country, was added to its composition, resulting in the modern, indulgent delight we know today. Thus, every bite of Pão de Mel carries with it a rich tapestry of history, from the monastic hives of medieval Europe to the vibrant heart of Brazil.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.