This Cardamom Holiday Bread is a festive, aromatic treat that fills your kitchen with warm, spicy scents while it bakes. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and evaporated milk, creating a tender crumb that is soft yet substantial. Ground cardamom provides a distinctive, floral-spice kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar. Shaped into elegant braids, this bread is visually stunning and makes a centerpiece for holiday breakfasts or afternoon tea. It’s best served fresh, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze, accompanied by fresh cherries and almonds for added texture and color.
Cardamom Holiday Bread
Description
This Cardamom Holiday Bread is a festive, aromatic treat that fills your kitchen with warm, spicy scents while it bakes. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and evaporated milk, creating a tender crumb that is soft yet substantial. Ground cardamom provides a distinctive, floral-spice kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar. Shaped into elegant braids, this bread is visually stunning and makes a centerpiece for holiday breakfasts or afternoon tea. It&# 226;ÂÂs best served fresh, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze, accompanied by fresh cherries and almonds for added texture and color.Ingredients
Directions
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Dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water in a large mixing bowl; let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Stir in the evaporated milk, sugar, salt, softened butter, beaten eggs, and ground cardamom.
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Beat in 2 cups of the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth.
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Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the top with grease.
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Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Punch the dough down to release air and let it rest for 10 minutes.
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Divide the dough into nine equal portions and roll each into a 12-inch strip.
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Place three strips side by side on a greased baking sheet and braid them together, pinching the ends to seal.
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Repeat the braiding process with the remaining strips to create three loaves total.
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Cover the braids and let them rise again for about 45 minutes, or until nearly doubled.
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Preheat the oven to 375ðF (190ðC).
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Bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.
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Glaze the cooled bread and decorate with cherries and almonds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 36
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 159.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.5g3%
- Saturated Fat 0.3g2%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 264.8mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 32.2g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3.0g12%
- Sugars 0.2g
- Protein 5.0g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.