Cardamom Bread

Buttery, moist and brimming with spice, cardamom bread is so good you could easily eat it every day—and many people do, especially in Sweden (where it originated) and other Nordic countries. This bread is infused with bold flavor thanks to the cardamom, and the sugar and butter filling is so satisfying. Cardamom bread also looks mighty pretty; it’s golden and braided, and you can top it with sliced almonds or pistachios. Serve this bread fresh out of the oven with a cup of strong black coffee, and you just might feel like you’re at a Swedish bakery.

Ingredients for Cardamom Bread

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• Flour: All-purpose flour adds essential softness and structure to cardamom bread.
• Active dry yeast: Active dry yeast is the leavening agent.
• Ground cardamom: The southern Indian spice adds a warm, distinctive flavor to this bread.
• Salt: A bit of salt helps improve the overall flavor of cardamom bread.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% milk for optimal richness and flavor.
• Butter: Butter helps to tenderize the dough.
• Honey: Check out our guide to the best-quality honey.
• Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them in, as they’ll blend better.
• Sugar: It’s OK (even preferable) if some of the sugar leaks out of the bun during the baking process. It’ll caramelize into sweet, crunchy bits that taste delicious.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, yeast, cardamom and salt. In a small saucepan, heat 1-1/2 cups of milk, butter and honey to 120° to 130°F. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and beat just until moistened. Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough (the dough will be sticky).

Step 2: Knead the dough and let rise

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Turn the dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, six to eight minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Braid the dough

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Punch the dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each into a 14-inch rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch the ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with the remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: We recommend reading our guide on how to braid before attempting this cardamon bread recipe.

Step 4: Bake

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Brush with the remaining milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375° until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the pans to wire racks to cool.

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Cardamom Bread Recipe Variations

• Top with pistachios or sliced almonds: Sliced almonds or pistachios add a nice crunch to this bread, and they also look aesthetically pleasing.
• Pair with honey cinnamon butter: Serve your cardamon bread with homemade honey cinnamon butter, either on the side or slathered directly on the bread.

How to Store Cardamom Bread

Store your homemade cardamom bread in a bread box at room temperature to ensure it stays as fresh as possible. A bread box works by trapping the moisture from the bread inside the container, which keeps the bread from drying out. Do keep in mind that cardamom bread is best the day it’s baked, though.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Make the dough, let it rise and then chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to braid and bake it.

Cardamom Bread Recipe Tips

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Can I use fresh cardamom for this recipe?

We’d recommend using ground cardamom for a less potent flavor.

What should I serve with cardamom bread?

This bread is a fantastic brunch item. Serve it with butter and jam, along with scrambled eggs and fruit, for a truly delicious breakfast or brunch.

Can I use a bread machine to make this recipe?

If you’re interested in using a bread machine to make bread, check out our list of the best bread machine recipes.