Cardamon Braid
Sweet and fragrant cardamom braid featuring a soft, flaky dough filled with raisins and aromatic spices, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful teatime treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare hot roll mix according to package instructions.
- Add melted butter, cooled, to the ground or crushed cardamom and raisins, and mix well.
- Cover the mixture and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 1 minute and divide it into three equal parts.
- Roll each part underhand to form a 10-inch long strand, tapering the ends.
- Place the three strands 1 inch apart on a greased baking sheet.
- Begin braiding in the middle, working towards either end, loosely weaving the strands together.
- Pinch the ends of the braid together to seal.
- Cover the braid and let it rise until almost doubled, approximately 40 minutes.
- Brush the braid with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider using freshly crushed cardamom seeds instead of ground cardamom. If you want to experiment, you can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. Ensure the dough doesn't overproof; keep an eye on its size during the second rise for the best texture. For a sweeter touch, you could brush the braid with a simple syrup after baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Cardamom Braid makes a delightful breakfast or snack on its own, but pairs beautifully with French Creams for a luxurious brunch. Serve it with a light glaze or butter for added richness, and consider pairing it with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It also works well as a sweet addition to a cheese platter, complementing savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cardamom Braid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cardamon Braid contains roughly 219 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to add other ingredients to the braid?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or almonds, along with the raisins for extra texture. You could also incorporate spices like cinnamon for a more robust flavor or even add chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).