Swedish Cardamom Braid
Soft, fragrant, and irresistibly golden, Swedish Cardamom Braid is the ultimate treat for lovers of sweet, spiced bread. This traditional Scandinavian recipe combines the cozy warmth of cardamom with a tender, buttery dough, braided and baked to perfection with a sparkling sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon coffee, this show-stopping loaf is as beautiful as it is delicious. The dough comes together with simple pantry staples like milk, butter, and flour, while a touch of ground cardamom elevates every bite with its unique flavor. With its airy texture and stunning braided shape, this homemade bread is a must-try for anyone looking to master the art of Scandinavian baking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.33 cup Granulated sugar
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup Warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 large Egg
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 3.75 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool until warm but not hot (about 110°F).
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk mixture, yeast mixture, egg, ground cardamom, and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6 minutes on medium speed.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope, about 15 inches in length.
Place the three ropes side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pinch the top ends together. Braid the ropes, then pinch the bottom ends together to seal. Tuck the ends under slightly to secure the braid.
Cover the braid loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another 30-40 minutes, until puffy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, beat the egg for the egg wash. Brush the braid with the egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar over the top.
Bake the braid in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Swedish Cardamom Braid!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
233 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.7 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 43 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 102 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 6.0 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 35 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 85 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
