Easy Cardamom Bread

This spiced, raisin- and nut-filled cardamom bread is topped with sliced almonds and sweet pearl sugar for a beautiful Scandinavian holiday treat.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 480 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup warm whole milk (110 degrees F (43 degrees C))
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup raisins
• 0.5 cup melted butter
• 0.5 cup sliced almonds
• 1.5 tablespoons ground cardamom
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
• 0.33333334326744 cup warm water (110 degrees F (43 degrees C))
• 0.25 cup pearl sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Whisk together warm milk, 1/2 cup sugar, warm water, and 2 tablespoons melted butter in a large bowl until sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over the top and set aside for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Once yeast is foamy, stir in flour, adding more as needed to form a stiff dough. When dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place into an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a small bowl; set aside.

Step 5

Deflate dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a 9x13-inch rectangle and brush with 1/2 cup melted butter. Sprinkle with cardamom-sugar mixture, raisins, and walnuts. Roll into a log, pinch the edges closed, and place onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover with a cloth and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

Step 6

Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of the roll with V-shapes that don't quite meet in the middle, the whole length of the roll. This will give the bread an attractive braided appearance, but can be skipped.

Step 7

Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until well combined; brush over the top of bread. Sprinkle with almonds and pearl sugar.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.