Print

Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter Recipe

Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

Enjoy the warm, fragrant flavors of Sweet Cardamom Bread braided to perfection and paired with a luscious Honey Orange Butter. This delightful bread boasts a soft, stretchy crumb with the aromatic touch of cardamom, sweetened naturally with honey, and finished with a shiny golden crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Cardamom Bread

  • ½ cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 2 tsp traditional active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 3 eggs, divided
  • 5 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp salt

Honey Orange Butter

  • 2 sticks butter, softened (about 1 cup)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: Heat the water to between 105°F and 115°F. Add the sugar and active dry yeast. Stir briefly and set aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and risen.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, mix warm milk and honey until dissolved. Add melted butter, 2 beaten eggs, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Add flour, ground cardamom, and salt to the mixer. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together, scraping the sides as needed. If too sticky, add extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.
  4. Knead the dough: Continue mixing with the dough hook on low speed for about 5 minutes until soft and stretchy. Remove dough and lightly knead on a floured counter to form a smooth ball.
  5. First rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, rub a little oil on top, cover with cling film or tea towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare dough for braiding: Punch down risen dough to deflate, transfer to a floured surface, then divide dough in half. Set one half aside. Divide the other half into three equal pieces and roll each into a long rope approximately 1 inch in diameter, tapering the ends.
  7. Braid the dough: Pinch one tapered end of all three ropes together and tuck under. Braid the strands tightly, pinch the other tapered ends together, and tuck under. Transfer braid to parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with second half of the dough.
  8. Second rise: Cover braids with tea towels and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  9. Preheat oven & prepare egg wash: Set oven to 350°F. Beat remaining egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush lightly over the braids for a shiny, golden crust.
  10. Bake the bread: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until deep golden brown. After 15 minutes, brush the pale parts of the braid with egg wash again to enhance browning.
  11. Check doneness and cool: Bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely before slicing.
  12. Prepare Honey Orange Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, honey, and orange zest until smooth. Serve alongside sliced cardamom bread.

Notes

  • Make sure water temperature is within the ideal range (105°F-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • If dough feels sticky, add flour gradually; dough should be soft and elastic but not overly dry.
  • Allowing the bread to rise in a warm place speeds fermentation; avoid drafts or cold spots.
  • Egg wash enhances color and gives a shiny crust but can be omitted for a softer top.
  • Adding orange zest to the butter imparts a fresh citrus aroma perfectly complementing the cardamom bread.
  • The bread keeps well for 2-3 days stored in an airtight container; can be lightly toasted before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cardamom bread, braided bread, sweet bread, honey orange butter, Scandinavian bread, breakfast bread, homemade bread

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/sweet-cardamom-bread-with-honey-orange-butter-recipe/