Name: Sweet Cardamom Braided Bread with Honey Orange Butter Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Scandinavian
Ingredients: ½ cup warm water; pinch 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; 2 sticks butter, softened (1 cup); 3 tbsp honey; zest of 1 orange

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Introduction

Sweet Cardamom Bread is a fragrant and lightly sweetened loaf that pairs beautifully with a honey orange butter. This braided bread is soft, aromatic, and perfect for breakfast or tea time, bringing a touch of warmth and spice to your table.

A shiny golden-brown braided loaf of bread is placed on a round wooden board, with its smooth, glossy surface showing three thick braided strands. Behind it, there is a white bowl filled with creamy, pale yellow butter that has a soft, whipped texture. The scene is decorated with small yellow and pink flowers scattered around the bread and bowl. In the background, a brass candle holder with a lit yellow candle stands on top of dark blue velvet fabric, adding warm light and rich color contrast. The whole setup sits on a white marbled surface with a rustic wooden frame partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup warm water
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
2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp salt

For the Honey Orange Butter:

2 sticks butter, softened
3 tbsp honey
Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the water to between 105°F and 115°F. Add the sugar and yeast, stir briefly, then set aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and risen.
Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine warm milk and honey, stirring to dissolve the honey. Add melted butter, 2 beaten eggs, and the activated yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
Step 3: Add the flour, ground cardamom, and salt to the mixer. Mix with the dough hook until dough begins to come together, scraping down the sides as needed. Add extra flour by tablespoons if the dough is too sticky.
Step 4: Continue mixing on low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft and stretchy. Remove dough and lightly knead on a floured counter to form a smooth ball.
Step 5: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, rub a little oil on top, cover with cling film or a tea towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the risen dough to deflate. Transfer to a floured surface and divide in half. Set one half aside.
Step 7: Divide one half into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thick rope, then lengthen to about an inch in diameter, tapering the ends.
Step 8: Pinch three ropes together at one tapered end and braid them, pinching and tucking the ends under. Transfer braid to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
Step 9: Cover the braids with tea towels and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled.
Step 10: Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat the remaining egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush egg wash over the braids.
Step 11: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until deep golden brown. After 15 minutes, brush the white parts of the braid with egg wash again to enhance color. Bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 12: Transfer bread to a cooling rack and let cool before slicing.
Step 13: For the honey orange butter, combine softened butter, honey, and orange zest in a bowl. Whip for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Serve immediately or store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use warm ingredients to help activate the yeast properly and ensure good rise.
If cardamom is unavailable, substitute with cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a different spicy note.
Brush the bread with egg wash twice during baking to achieve a shiny, golden crust.
For a vegan version, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of chicken eggs.

Storage

Store the Sweet Cardamom Bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped bread for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven to restore freshness. Store honey orange butter in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best spreadability.

How to Serve

A shiny, golden-brown braided bread with three thick, smooth strands sits on a round wooden board. Behind the bread, there is a small dark bowl filled with a pale yellow creamy spread. The scene includes pink flowers and yellow small round flowers scattered around, with a blue velvet cloth draped in the background. To the right, a lit candle in a rustic brass holder adds a warm glow. The surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It may take a bit longer, but the results will still be delicious.

What is the purpose of braiding the dough?

Braiding creates an attractive loaf with a lovely texture and even crumb. It also helps the bread bake evenly and adds a charming rustic appearance perfect for sharing.