Sweet Bread(Scandinavian)
Sweet Scandinavian bread with a rich, buttery flavor and a hint of cardamom, featuring a beautiful braided shape. Perfect for breakfast or special occasions, its tender crumb and sweet topping make it a delightful treat for family and guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in hot milk and set aside.
- Add yeast to cool milk and add sugar, cardamom, salt, and eggs.
- Combine the two sets of liquids in a large bowl. Add approximately 8 cups of flour.
- Knead into a rather stiff dough.
- Let the dough stand overnight.
- In the morning, divide the dough into 6 pieces.
- Roll out each piece into strips, 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Braid 3 strips together into a loaf.
- Set the braided loaf on a greased flat pan or cookie sheet and let it rise lightly for about 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes until nicely browned.
- Remove from oven and brush the top with sugar melted in a little hot coffee.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and letting it cool slightly before mixing with the yeast. If you don't have fresh yeast, you can substitute with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Additionally, feel free to experiment with spices; nutmeg or allspice can add a delightful twist. If you'd like a sweeter glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk instead of brushing with coffee.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet bread warm or at room temperature, optionally alongside butter or jam for spreading. It pairs beautifully with Milk And Cinnamon Ice for a delightful dessert. For breakfast, serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, and consider adding some fresh fruit for a balanced meal. This bread also makes a lovely gift when wrapped nicely.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the sweet bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Bread(Scandinavian) contains roughly 720 calories, with 16g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2142mg per serving (93% 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 half of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, be aware that whole wheat flour will make the bread denser. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it might be due to inactive yeast or cold temperatures. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by testing it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the dough. Additionally, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to encourage proper fermentation.
Can I add fruit or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, or nuts such as chopped pecans or almonds, can enhance the flavor and texture of your sweet bread. Just fold them in gently after kneading the dough to ensure even distribution without overworking it.
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).