Nannie Henning'S Coffee Bread
Nannie Henning's Coffee Bread is a fragrant, flavorful yeast bread with a hint of cardamom, perfect for breakfast or teatime, appealing to bread lovers and those seeking a aromatic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour scalded milk over butter and let cool.
- Dissolve yeast in a measuring cup with 1 tablespoon sugar and lukewarm water.
- Let the yeast mixture rise to the top of the cup.
- Add yeast mixture to the milk mixture and flour to make a sponge.
- Let the sponge rise for 45 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, salt, and flour to the sponge.
- Knead the dough and let it rise for 2 hours.
- Divide the dough into 2 portions and braid each into 4 strands.
- Place each braid into a greased 9 x 7 x 1-inch pan.
- Brush the loaves with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar and almonds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg. If you don’t have cardamom seeds, you can substitute with a pinch of cinnamon for a different spice profile. When scalding the milk, ensure it cools to lukewarm before adding the yeast to avoid killing it. Kneading until smooth is crucial for a good texture.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee bread is delightful served warm with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait. It also makes a lovely accompaniment to dishes like Dried Fruit Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover coffee bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until warm. This will help maintain its softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nannie Henning'S Coffee Bread contains roughly 1816 calories, with 25g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1834mg per serving (80% 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 active dry yeast instead of cake yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for cake yeast. Use about 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast for this recipe. Make sure to activate it in warm water with a little sugar before adding it to the milk mixture to ensure it rises properly.
What can I use instead of milk in this recipe?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can replace the scalded milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk. Just make sure to scald it if you're looking for a similar texture and taste. Coconut milk can also work, but it may impart a coconut flavor to the bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it turns a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C). Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
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).