Finnish Bread
Finnish bread features a soft, slightly sweet crumb infused with aromatic crushed cardamom seeds. Its rich flavor and tender texture make it perfect for breakfast or tea time. Ideal for those who enjoy warm, homemade bread with subtle spice notes, suited for both everyday and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the scalded milk, softened yeast, and about one-third of the flour. Beat well and let stand for 1 hour.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, soft butter, beaten eggs, and crushed cardamom seeds; beat well.
- Add the remaining flour gradually and knead the dough thoroughly.
- Let the dough rise until double in size.
- Shape the dough into loaves or rolls and let rise again.
- Bake at 375° to 400° for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. If you don't have cardamom seeds, cinnamon can be a great substitute. Use bread flour for a chewier texture. Ensure the milk is scalded and cooled slightly before adding yeast to help it activate properly. Kneading thoroughly helps develop gluten for a better rise.
Serving Suggestions
This Finnish Bread is delightful served warm with butter or alongside a hearty soup. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable Cheese Ball for a festive appetizer spread. Slice it for sandwiches or enjoy it as a breakfast treat with jam. For a unique twist, try serving it with Bar Nuts as a savory snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Finnish Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and place in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Finnish Bread contains roughly 239 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that it may result in a denser bread. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising properly?
If your dough isn't rising, ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the milk wasn't too hot when added. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for rising. You can also try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven with the light on to encourage fermentation.
How can I make this bread sweeter?
To make the Finnish Bread sweeter, simply increase the sugar amount. You can add an additional 1/4 cup of sugar for a more pronounced sweetness. Additionally, serving it with a sweet glaze or jam can enhance the flavor.
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).