Swedish Cardamom Bread
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Servings
12
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Calories
219 kcal
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Course
Bread
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Cuisine
Scandinavian
Swedish Cardamom Bread
Description
The Swedish Cardamom Bread features a sweet yeast dough infused with ground cardamom, a spice that adds a floral and citrusy note distinct to Scandinavian baking. Butter and milk enrich the dough, while the beaten egg provides softness and structure. After allowing the dough to rise until doubled, it is divided and braided, which not only shapes the bread but creates an appealing pattern that bakes to a golden crust. The optional pearl sugar topping offers a mild crunch and traditional Swedish touch.
Baking at 375°F helps develop a soft interior with a lightly crisp exterior. The bread pairs well with butter, jams, or cheese, making it versatile for snacks or breakfast. Its aromatic cardamom flavor complements both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Ensure the dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic to develop gluten that supports a light texture. The dough’s temperature and rise time contribute to its tenderness and volume. Adding the egg wash before baking enhances the bread’s color and sheen.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 package yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour approx
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 egg beaten (reserve 2 t egg for eggwash)
- 2 teaspoons water or milk
- 1-2 Tablespoon pearl sugar optional for decorating, Swedish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a microwave safe container that holds at least 2 cups. Add the milk and sugar, then heat to about 110F. Stir in the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, salt and cardamom.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg, then remove about 2 teaspoons into a separate container. Mix the smaller portion of egg with 2 teaspoons water or milk to make an egg wash, then refrigerate until needed.
- Mix the larger portion of egg into the milk mixture, then add to the flour mixture. Beat with a dough hook until dough is smooth and elastic. Add additional flour or milk if needed to create a nice dough.
- Cover the bowl of dough with a damp dish cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled about 1 – 1 ½ hours.
- When doubled in size, knead a few times, then divide the dough into thirds and make 3 15-inch long rolls of dough. On a parchment lined baking sheet, braid these together then tuck in the ends. Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Let rise in a warm place until almost double, about 40 minutes. Take the reserved egg wash out of the refrigerator, then whisk briefly. Using a soft brush, brush egg wash lightly over the top and sides of the bread, then sprinkle with Swedish Pearl sugar, if using.
- Bake at 375 for about 20-30 minutes until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 219 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 219kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 26mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 141mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 83mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 171IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.04mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 35mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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