Honey French Bread Recipe – Sweet, Buttery, and Easy to Bake
Make the best Honey French Bread with this easy recipe! Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet — ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- (Optional) ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
Optional Add-Ins:
- Orange zest (for brightness)
- Mini chocolate chips (for dessert flair)
- Sprinkle of sea salt (for sweet-salty contrast)
Instructions
Make the Honey Butter
- Soften the Butter: Leave it at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave in short 5-second bursts (don’t melt it)
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, honey, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Whip Until Fluffy: Use a whisk or hand mixer for 2–3 minutes until creamy and light.
- Taste & Adjust: Add more honey for sweetness or a pinch more spice if you want a stronger aroma.
Prepare the Bread
- Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C).
- Slice Bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the French bread lengthwise to create two halves.
- Score (Optional): Lightly score a diamond pattern so the honey butter seeps in beautifully.
Assemble & Bake
- Spread Generously: Coat both halves evenly with the honey butter. Get into all the corners — this is where flavor lives.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle nuts, coconut, or chocolate chips if you like.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool Slightly: Let it rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing to avoid burning your fingers and to let the butter settle.
Serve & Enjoy
- Slice and serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter.
- Pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.