Brazilian Honey Bread – Pao de Mel is a spicy Brazilian honey bread that is superb with a crease of butter and a mug of coffee. The sweetness of the bread compliments a coffee every time. This loaf is ready to eat within 35 minutes of starting and has become a hot snack in my household but never last long!. Using honey and cocoa powder with cloves and nutmeg gives this bread a taste you will adore. When I ask my children shall we buy or make a loaf they always ask for this. This bread also lasts well if keep cool in a bread bin or larder.
There is something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread, and Brazilian Honey Bread captures it perfectly. The kitchen fills with a warm, sweet aroma as honey, cocoa, and spices combine. However, this bread feels indulgent without being too rich. It has a light, tender texture yet a deep, comforting flavour. Each bite carries subtle sweetness with gentle hints of cloves and nutmeg.
What makes Brazilian Honey Bread special is its simplicity. Flour, sugar, cocoa, honey, butter, milk, and a pinch of spices are all it needs. The cocoa adds a mild richness, while honey keeps the bread moist. The spices provide a warm, layered flavour without overpowering. It works at breakfast with butter, as an afternoon snack with tea, or even as a light dessert.
Baking this bread at home is straightforward. Ingredients are combined until smooth, then poured into a greased pan. The oven warms the kitchen, filling it with a welcoming scent. Hence there is no complicated folding or tempering involved. Brazilian Honey Bread is forgiving and satisfying, making it ideal for home bakers of all levels.
Once baked, the bread turns golden brown with a soft, tender crumb. Cutting it into squares makes it easy to serve. A light glaze of sugar or chocolate adds a glossy finish and slight crunch. This small touch elevates the bread into a special treat. It is perfect for sharing with friends or family.
The bread is also very versatile. It pairs well with fruit, yoghurt, creamy spreads, or coffee. Its balanced sweetness complements almost any accompaniment. For a weekend brunch, a few squares alongside fruit make a lovely addition. Brazilian Honey Bread feels celebratory yet homey, a rare combination that appeals to everyone.
Brazilian Honey Bread is more than just a loaf. It invites slow, mindful enjoyment of simple pleasures. Every bite delivers honey’s sweetness, a whisper of spices, and the comfort of home. Good ingredients, gentle care and a touch of glaze make it a delightful treat because it does with no effort.
This bread is perfect for home bakers seeking an easy, impressive result. It leaves the kitchen smelling amazing while giving everyone a reason to linger at the table. It is proof that simple recipes can create extraordinary joy.

Brazilian Honey Bread – Pao de Mel
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 750 ml
- 1 cup sugar 250 ml
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder 45 ml
- 1 cup honey 250 ml
- 1/4 tsp cloves 1 ml, ground
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 ml. ground
- 3 tbsp butter 45 ml
- 1 cup milk 250 ml
- 1 tsp baking powder 5 ml
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined.3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 3 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 cup honey, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 3 tbsp butter, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp baking powder
- Pour into a greased 9 x 12 inch (22 x 30 cm) baking pan and bake in a preheated 325F (160C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until done (test with a toothpick).
- When cool, cut into 2 inch (5 cm) squares and glaze with a chocolate or sugar frosting.

23 comments
An easy-to-make bread that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Soft squares that are ideal for snacking or serving with tea.
Perfectly sweet and soft; my whole family enjoyed every bite.
Soft, moist, and lightly spiced, a wonderful treat for breakfast or tea.
A simple recipe that yields amazing results, perfect for home baking.
Simple ingredients, simple process, but the result is extraordinary.
Warm, inviting, and full of subtle spice—this bread is a winner.
I loved the tender crumb and the gentle sweetness; so comforting.
A charming bread that’s easy to make and delightful to eat.
Glazing it made it look beautiful and taste even more delicious.
Everyone at our brunch loved this bread; it disappeared quickly.
The glaze adds just the right touch without overpowering the natural flavours.
A perfect balance of sweet, spice, and tender bread texture.
The honey keeps it moist, and the cocoa adds a lovely richness.
Moist and flavourful, with a beautiful golden crust that smells amazing.
The honey flavour is perfectly balanced with the subtle spices—absolutely lovely.
The aroma while baking fills the house with warmth and comfort.
Tender, fluffy, and lightly sweet—this is my new favourite bread.
This bread is both homey and impressive—highly recommend trying it.
Subtle, sweet, and spiced just right; I will bake this again.
The spices are subtle, giving just a hint of warmth in each slice.
The combination of honey and cocoa is delicate and irresistible.
Deliciously sweet and soft, this bread melts in your mouth every time.