Cardamon Bread
Cardamom bread offers a fragrant, slightly sweet, and spiced flavor profile with a soft, fluffy texture—perfect for breakfast, teatime, or as a delightful snack for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle dry yeast into lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon sugar; set aside for 5 to 10 minutes or until foamy.
- Scald milk and add remaining sugar, margarine, and salt.
- When margarine has melted, remove from heat, cool to lukewarm, and add spices.
- Combine with yeast mixture and gradually stir in enough flour to make a stiff dough.
- Knead for 10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, turn to grease the bottom, and cover.
- Let set for 1 1/2 hours or until elastic and smooth.
- Place in a buttered or oiled baking pan.
- Let rise for 1/2 hour.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat. If you don't have cardamom seeds, ground cardamom can be a suitable substitute. To ensure the yeast activates properly, make sure the water isn't too hot or too cold. When kneading, you can add a bit of flour if the dough is too sticky. This cardamom bread pairs beautifully with Smoothest Chocolate Fudge.
Serving Suggestions
Cardamon bread is delightful when served warm with butter or jam. It also pairs well with a side of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a unique twist, try it with some Lemon Snowflakes as a sweet complement. It can be enjoyed as a standalone treat or alongside a hearty soup for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cardamom bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cardamon Bread contains roughly 133 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 599mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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
Can I use fresh cardamom instead of crushed seeds?
Yes, you can use fresh cardamom pods for a more vibrant flavor. Simply crush the pods to release the seeds and use them in the same quantity as specified in the recipe. Keep in mind that fresh spices can have a stronger taste, so adjust according to your preference.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and has been activated properly in lukewarm water. Additionally, make sure the dough is in a warm environment while rising. If it's too cold, consider placing it in a slightly warm oven to encourage rising.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the bread?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or dried fruit can add texture and flavor to your cardamom bread. Consider adding ingredients like walnuts or raisins. Just be sure to fold them in gently during the kneading process to avoid overworking the dough.
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).