Name: Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Scandinavian-inspired
Ingredients: ½ cup warm water (105°F to 115°F); 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 (1 cup) butter, softened; 3 tbsp honey; Zest of 1 orange

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for that perfect cozy treat to brighten your mornings or impress your guests, look no further than this Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter. This delightfully fragrant bread brings together the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom with the natural sweetness of honey, all beautifully enhanced by a luscious, citrus-infused butter. It’s a comforting, slightly sweet loaf that feels both special and comforting—perfect for sharing over coffee or as a charming addition to any brunch spread.

Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are deceptively simple but each plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma for your Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter. From the yeast that brings life and fluffiness to the dough to the fragrant cardamom and the bright zest of orange in the butter, every element contributes to a harmonious whole.

Warm water (½ cup): Activates the yeast to create an airy texture in the bread.
Pinch of sugar: Helps awaken the yeast for perfect rising.
Traditional active dry yeast (2 tsp): The magic behind the bread’s soft and fluffy crumb.
Warm milk (1 cup): Adds tenderness and moisture to the dough.
Honey (½ cup for bread + 3 tbsp for butter): Offers natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor.
Butter, melted (2 tbsp for bread + 2 sticks for butter): Enhances richness and creates a tender crumb and smooth butter.
Eggs (3 total): Bind the dough and add richness; one egg remains to brush and glaze the bread.
All-purpose flour (5 ¾ cups): Forms the structure of the bread; you may need a bit extra for kneading.
Ground cardamom (2 tsp): Provides that warm, fragrant spice that defines this bread.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Orange zest (from 1 orange): Brings bright, fresh citrus notes to the honey butter.
A splash of water (egg wash): Helps create a shiny, golden crust.

How to Make Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your water to between 105°F and 115°F—warm enough to awaken but not kill the yeast. Add a pinch of sugar and sprinkle in your active dry yeast. Give it a quick stir and set it aside for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and risen. This step sets the foundation for a light and airy bread.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the warm milk and honey, ensuring the honey dissolves completely to sweeten every bite. Add in the melted butter, two of the beaten eggs, and the activated yeast mix. This blend of liquids will bring the dough together with a silky smoothness and deep flavor.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix

Now it’s time to add your flour, ground cardamom, and salt to the wet mixture. Using the dough hook, mix until the dough just starts to come together. If the dough sticks too much to the bowl and refuses to form a ball, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable. Continue mixing on low speed for about five minutes until the dough is soft, elastic, and just begging to be kneaded.

Step 4: Knead and Let Rise

Take the dough out of the bowl and give it a couple of gentle kneads on a lightly floured surface to form a smooth ball. Place this in a greased bowl, rub a little oil on the dough’s surface to keep it moist, and cover with cling film or a clean kitchen towel. Pop it into a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. It’s always so satisfying watching that dough puff up with life.

Step 5: Shape the Braids

Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it in half, then take one half and split it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thick rope about an inch in diameter, tapering the ends. Take the three ropes and pinch them together on one tapered end, tucking it under. Braid the strands tightly and pinch the opposite ends together, tucking them under to seal. Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough half.

Step 6: Final Rise and Egg Wash

Cover the braids with a tea towel and let them rise again in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled. While waiting, preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare an egg wash by mixing the remaining egg with a splash of water. Brush this gently all over the braids to help create that irresistible shiny, golden crust during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the braids for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, pull the bread out and reapply the egg wash to any pale sections in the center of the braid—this ensures an evenly golden crust all around. The bread is ready when it hits a beautiful deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Transfer to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant presentation, sprinkle a little finely chopped orange zest or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. A light drizzle of extra honey over each slice right before serving enhances the sweetness and mouthwatering aroma.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced pears, berries, or figs. It’s also wonderful alongside creamy yogurt or as part of a breakfast tray with cheeses and nuts. If you want a more savory contrast, add crisp bacon or eggs cooked to your liking.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the bread as part of a festive brunch by arranging individual slices in a circular pattern on a large platter, dolloping honey orange butter in the center. You can even lightly toast slices and stuff them with creamy mascarpone and fresh fruit for a delightful open-faced sandwich twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its soft texture without drying out.

Freezing

You can also freeze this bread either whole or sliced. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer bag. Frozen bread stays delicious for up to two months; just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Bring your bread back to life by warming slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. Spread with fresh honey orange butter immediately after reheating for that just-baked warmth and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used in this recipe. Since instant yeast activates faster, you can mix it directly with the flour and reduce the initial proofing time for the water and yeast mixture.

Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best way is to tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Also, the crust will be a rich golden brown. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it near the end.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the dough?

Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds or dried fruit such as raisins or dried orange peel can add wonderful texture and bursts of flavor. Fold them in during the final mixing stage.

What’s the best way to store the Honey Orange Butter?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let it come to room temperature before spreading for easy application, or give it a quick stir if separated.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with cozy joy. Whether you’re sharing it for a special occasion or savoring a quiet moment by yourself, this bread brings warmth and sweetness in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own delightful tradition!

Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 2 braided loaves 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter is a fragrant and delicious braided bread featuring the warm spice of cardamom and the natural sweetness of honey. Paired with a creamy honey orange butter, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack. The bread is soft, light, and beautifully golden with a shiny crust from an egg wash, while the butter adds a citrusy sweetness.

Instructions

Activate Yeast: Heat the water to between 105°F and 115°F. Add a pinch of sugar and the yeast. Stir briefly and set aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and risen.
Prepare Dough Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer 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; stir to combine.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, ground cardamom, and salt to the mixer. Mix on low with the dough hook until the dough begins to come together, scraping down the sides occasionally. If too sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.
Knead Dough: Continue mixing on low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft, stretchy, and elastic. Remove dough and knead lightly on a floured surface to form a smooth ball.
First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, rub a little oil over the surface, cover with cling film or tea towel, and place in a warm area to rise for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
Punch Down and Divide: After rising, punch down the dough to deflate. Turn out onto a floured surface, divide the dough in half, then set one half aside.
Form the Braids: Divide one half into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thick rope about 1 inch in diameter with tapered ends. Pinch the tapered ends of the three ropes together and braid them, pinching and tucking the ends underneath. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the second half.
Second Rise: Cover the braids with tea towels and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare egg wash by beating the remaining egg with a splash of water. Brush the egg wash evenly over the braids to achieve a shiny, golden crust.
Bake Bread: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until deep golden brown. After 15 minutes, brush the pale white parts of the braid with egg wash again to enhance color. Bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool Bread: Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Make Honey Orange Butter: While the bread is baking, combine softened butter, honey, and orange zest in a bowl. Mix well until creamy and smooth. Serve alongside the cooled bread.

Notes

Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast properly; too hot water can kill yeast.
If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually to achieve the right consistency.
The egg wash creates a beautiful golden crust; don’t skip or substitute for best results.
Baking time may vary depending on oven; check for hollow sound when tapping the bread bottom.
Honey orange butter can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, bring to room temperature before serving.
For a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange juice or extract to the butter mixture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Scandinavian-inspired