Step 1

First, prepare the dry ingredients that will define the texture and flavor of your honey bread. In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, cinnamon powder, and baking powder. Sift these ingredients together 2-3 times to ensure a smooth batter without lumps. Pre-combining and sifting the dry ingredients makes for easier mixing later.

In a separate bowl, prepare the wet ingredients. Lightly beat the egg, then add the honey, brown sugar, vegetable oil, milk, coffee extract, and salt. Mix well using a spatula or whisk until combined, being careful not to create excessive foam.

Step 2

It’s important to stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and fully incorporated into the liquid ingredients. If the brown sugar is difficult to dissolve, you can place the bowl over a double boiler (bain-marie) with warm water to help melt it more easily and quickly. Stir until all ingredients are smoothly blended.

Step 3

Add all the sifted dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread too chewy, like sticky rice cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Step 4

If the batter seems too stiff, you can gently mix it a bit more with a whisk. However, be cautious not to over-whisk, which can develop gluten. Mix only until a smooth consistency is achieved. The batter should be pourable but slightly thick.

Step 5

Transfer the finished honey bread batter into a piping bag. Fill your mini oval molds to about 80-90% capacity. Filling them too full can cause the bread to overflow during baking, so leaving some space is crucial. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a spoon to fill the molds.

Step 6

After filling the molds with batter, place a pecan or walnut in the center of each to enhance the flavor and appearance. Gently press the nut into the batter with your finger to secure it, preventing it from popping out during baking. You can also mix chopped nuts directly into the batter.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the filled molds into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. The bread is ready when the tops are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Adjust the baking time and temperature according to your oven’s specifications.

Step 8

The freshly baked honey bread boasts a wonderfully warm and chewy texture! It’s delicious immediately, but the characteristic chewiness of glutinous rice flour becomes even more pronounced as it cools, making it even more delightful. Enjoy your homemade Chewy Honey Bread for a sweet and festive Chuseok celebration!