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Sweet Cardamom Bread with Honey Orange Butter Recipe

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

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Cardamom Bread

  • 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

Honey Orange Butter

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the braids with tea towels and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Cool Bread: Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
  12. 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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of a loaf)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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

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