Swedish Cardamom Bread
Fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of Swedish Cardamom Bread, a traditional Scandinavian treat that's as beautiful as it is delicious. This lightly sweetened, golden braided loaf features a soft, pillowy crumb infused with the irresistible warmth of ground cardamom—a spice cherished for its unique floral and citrusy notes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break, this bread is made with simple pantry ingredients, including milk, butter, and eggs, and finished with an optional dusting of pearl sugar for a touch of elegance. Master a straightforward kneading and braiding technique as you craft this show-stopping bread, which bakes up with a golden crust that's sure to impress. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with a spread of butter, this cozy and fragrant bread is the ultimate way to elevate your baking game.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground cardamom
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup Warm water
- 2 Eggs
- 4.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Pearl sugar or coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not bring it to a boil.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter, sugar, and ground cardamom. Allow the mixture to cool until it is lukewarm.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the cooled milk mixture and the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, about 15 inches in length.
Braid the three ropes together, tucking the ends under to secure the shape. Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover the loaf with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
For an optional finishing touch, brush the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse sugar on top.
Bake the bread in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
349 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.3 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 58 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 221 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.1 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.8 g | ||
| Protein | 8.3 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 114 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.
