Finnish Coffee Bread
Finnish Coffee Bread offers a fragrant, slightly sweet loaf flavored with cardamom, perfect for breakfast or coffee breaks, appealing to bread lovers seeking a unique Nordic twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine scalded milk, sugar, and butter in a large bowl; cool to lukewarm.
- Add salt, eggs, crushed black cardamom seeds, dissolved yeast in water, and 5 cups of flour; stir well.
- Add more flour in 1/2 cup increments until dough forms a ball.
- Turn out onto a floured board and knead well, adding additional flour as necessary, until dough is dull, elastic, and not sticky (about 10 minutes).
- Coat a large heat-resistant bowl with vegetable oil.
- Place kneaded dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.
- Cover with a clean damp dishtowel or plastic wrap.
Tips & Substitutions
For an aromatic twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon along with the crushed black cardamom seeds. If you can't find cardamom, ground cinnamon can be a great substitute. Ensure your milk is scalded for the best texture, and knead the dough well for a light, fluffy bread. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using half-and-half instead of milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Finnish Coffee Bread warm with butter and jam for a delightful breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a special occasion, consider serving it alongside a sweet dish like Belgian Bread Pudding With Lemon Sauce, which complements the bread's flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Finnish Coffee Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or oven until slightly crispy and heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Finnish Coffee Bread contains roughly 952 calories, with 10g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2002mg per serving (87% 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 of the all-purpose flour. Start with 1 or 2 cups of whole wheat and adjust the remaining flour accordingly. Keep in mind that the texture may be denser, so you might need to add a bit more liquid to achieve the right consistency.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or inadequate warmth. Make sure your yeast is fresh and properly dissolved in warm water. If the environment is too cold, place the bowl in a warm area or use the oven's proofing setting to encourage rising.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. You can also incorporate citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, for a refreshing note. Experimenting with different spices can also yield a unique twist that complements the cardamom.
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).