Kahuileipa(Finnish Coffee Bread)
Kahuileipa is a traditional Finnish coffee bread with a soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or with coffee, appealing to bread lovers and coffee enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the milk until warm.
- Stir in 3 cups of flour and dissolved yeast in lukewarm water.
- Let the mixture rise for 1 hour.
- Add sugar, egg yolks, and remaining flour to the mixture.
- Knead the dough well for 15 minutes or until it leaves your hands.
- Let the dough rise again until it doubles in size.
- Divide the dough into loaves and place into greased pans.
- Let the loaves rise for another hour.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg before baking.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of cardamom to the dough. If you don't have fresh yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, using about 1 tablespoon. Ensure the milk is warm but not hot, as overheating can kill the yeast. Kneading the dough well is crucial for achieving a soft texture.
Serving Suggestions
Kahuileipa is delightful served warm with butter or jam. It pairs beautifully with Gado-Gado(Gah-Doe-Gah-Doe, Indonesian Salad) for a unique brunch spread. You can also serve it alongside coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Kahuileipa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kahuileipa(Finnish Coffee Bread) contains roughly 681 calories, with 19g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 622mg 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 whole wheat flour will result in a denser bread. If using entirely whole wheat flour, you may need to increase the liquid slightly to achieve the desired dough consistency.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the room temperature. You can also gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, the dough has risen sufficiently.
Can I add fillings to the Kahuileipa?
Absolutely! You can incorporate fillings such as cinnamon sugar, almond paste, or dried fruits like raisins or currants into the dough before shaping it into loaves. Just be careful not to overstuff, as this can affect the bread's rise and final texture.
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).