Nisu - Finnish Coffee Bread
Nisu is a traditional Finnish coffee bread with warm spices and rich butter flavor, perfect for breakfast or tea, appealing to those who enjoy aromatic, slightly sweet baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast on the warm water; let stand a few minutes; stir to blend.
- Stir in milk, sugar, salt, ground cardamom, eggs, and 2 cups of flour.
- Beat until smooth.
- Add 3 more cups of flour, beat until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter.
- Add enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl and turn greased side up.
- Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down, cover, and let rise again until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured board.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit of vanilla extract or substituting some milk with cream. If you're out of cardamom, cinnamon can work in a pinch, although it will alter the taste. Make sure to knead the dough well for the best texture. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour while kneading until it's manageable.
Serving Suggestions
Nisu is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Consider serving it with butter or jam for a sweet treat. It also makes a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside dishes like Russian Easter Kulich or fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Nisu in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a low oven until just heated through, or microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nisu - Finnish Coffee Bread contains roughly 4712 calories, with 8g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 488g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2032mg per serving (88% 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 instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of dry yeast. Just add it directly to the flour without needing to dissolve it in water first. However, keep in mind that the rising times may be slightly shorter, so watch your dough closely.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to the yeast being expired or the water being too hot or too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is around 110°F (43°C). You can also try placing the dough in a warmer area to encourage rising.
Can I add fillings to Nisu?
Absolutely! You can incorporate fillings like almond paste, chocolate chips, or dried fruits into the dough before shaping. Just be sure not to overfill, as this can affect the dough's ability to rise properly.
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).