Vieno Marsyla'S Finnish Coffee Bread

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Finnish

Finnish Coffee Bread is a fragrant, cardamom-spiced sweet bread with a rich, tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or tea gatherings, offering warm, aromatic flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup warmed milk
  • 1 packet dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ground cardamom seeds
  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 egg beaten (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. In warm milk, dissolve a small amount of sugar with the dry yeast.
  2. Combine the remaining sugar, salt, and spices, then add to the yeast mixture.
  3. Fold in one-third of the flour, then add one egg, repeating until all eggs and flour are incorporated.
  4. Knead in the melted butter.
  5. Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
  6. Divide the dough, roll, and braid into loaves.
  7. Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet and let rise until doubled in size.
  8. Brush the loaves with one beaten egg.
  9. Sprinkle with sugar.
  10. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more aromatic bread, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon along with the cardamom. If you don’t have fresh cardamom, ground cardamom can be used as a substitute. Ensure your milk is not too hot when activating the yeast, as this can kill it. Adjust the sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.

Serving Suggestions

This Finnish coffee bread is delightful served warm with coffee or tea, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Pair it with a light fruit salad or yogurt for a complete meal. It also complements well with cheese, making it a great option for a brunch spread alongside dishes like Peach Or Strawberry Tart.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Finnish coffee bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Vieno Marsyla'S Finnish Coffee Bread contains roughly 320 calories, with 8g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1016mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

320 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.1g 16% DV
Total Fat 8.1g 10% DV
Carbs 53.4g 19% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 6g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1016.2mg 44% DV
Potassium 389.9mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 67.4mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36.1mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 109.9mg 8% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 substitute instant yeast for dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can skip the proofing step. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients, and then combine with the warmed milk.

How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?

The dough has risen enough when it has doubled in size and feels puffy to the touch. You can also perform the 'finger test' by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready for the next step.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can lead to a denser bread.

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).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →