Best 7 Norwegian Cardamom Bread Braids Recipes

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**A Culinary Journey into Norwegian Cardamom Bread Braids: A Symphony of Sweetness and Tradition**

In the realm of Norwegian delicacies, the cardamom bread braid stands tall as a cherished culinary creation, a testament to the country's rich baking heritage. This enticing treat, often gracing festive occasions and everyday moments alike, weaves together a tapestry of flavors and textures that captivates the senses.

This article presents a collection of recipes that delve into the art of crafting Norwegian cardamom bread braids, each offering a unique interpretation of this beloved classic. From traditional recipes that honor time-honored techniques to modern variations that introduce unexpected twists, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and skill levels.

**Embark on a culinary adventure as we explore these delectable recipes:**

1. **Classic Norwegian Cardamom Bread Braid:** Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Norway with this classic recipe. It embodies the essence of simplicity, relying on a harmonious blend of cardamom, sugar, and butter to create a braid that embodies the essence of the traditional Norwegian cardamom bread braid.

2. **Enriched Cardamom Bread Braid:** This recipe elevates the classic cardamom bread braid with an infusion of rich flavors. It incorporates the warmth of cinnamon, the zesty tang of orange zest, and the nutty sweetness of chopped walnuts, resulting in a braid that tantalizes the taste buds with its complex layers.

3. **Gluten-Free Cardamom Bread Braid:** Delight in the joy of cardamom bread braids without compromising on dietary restrictions. This gluten-free recipe caters to those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, using alternative flours like almond flour and oat flour to create a braid that is equally delectable and satisfying.

4. **Vegan Cardamom Bread Braid:** Experience the goodness of cardamom bread braids in a plant-based haven. This vegan recipe swaps out traditional dairy ingredients for almond milk, coconut oil, and flax eggs, resulting in a braid that is not only delicious but also caters to vegan lifestyles.

5. **Cardamom Bread Braid with Chocolate Chips:** Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic cardamom bread braid with the addition of rich chocolate chips. This recipe ingeniously blends the sweet, aromatic notes of cardamom with the velvety texture of chocolate chips, creating a braid that is irresistible to both young and old.

6. **Cardamom Bread Braid Wreath:** Celebrate special occasions or add a touch of elegance to your everyday table with this stunning cardamom bread braid wreath. It intertwines strands of cardamom-infused dough into a beautiful wreath shape, making it a centerpiece that is both visually appealing and bursting with flavor.

With these diverse recipes as your guide, embark on a culinary journey that showcases the versatility and irresistible charm of Norwegian cardamom bread braids. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice enthusiast, these recipes will inspire you to create cardamom bread braids that are not only delicious but also reflect your unique culinary style. Prepare to tantalize taste buds, evoke warm memories, and create new traditions with every bite of these delectable cardamom bread braids.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FINNISH CARDAMOM BREAD (NISU)



Finnish Cardamom Bread (Nisu) image

Serve this rich braided sweet bread with salted butter, fruity jam, and lots of hot coffee. Spiced with cardamom and sprinkled with pearl sugar and almonds, it's a showstopper--just right for a weekend breakfast.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes     Bread Recipes

Time 3h

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for brushing
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 envelope)
¼ cup warm water (110 degrees)
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg, plus 1 large yolk
1 cup evaporated milk
2 teaspoons whole milk
Pearl sugar and sliced almonds, for sprinkling

Steps:

  • Brush a large bowl with butter. In a small bowl, combine yeast and water. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cardamom, and salt.
  • In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat granulated sugar with egg on medium-high until pale and fluffy, 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low; add evaporated milk and yeast mixture and beat well. Switch to bread-hook attachment. Add flour mixture; mix until a shaggy dough forms. Continue to mix on medium-low, scraping sides of bowl and removing dough from hook a few times, until soft and pliable, 8 to 10 minutes. Mix in butter, 1 tablespoonat a time, until combined.Continue mixing until onlya sheen of butter slicks bowl.
  • Transfer dough to a clean surface; knead a few times to form into a ball. Transfer to preparedlarge bowl; cover top with plastic wrap. (Dough can be made to this point and refrigerated up to 1 day.) Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Punch down dough; divide into 4 equal pieces and cover with a clean towel. Remove one piece; roll into a 1-inch-thick, 18-inch-long rope. Repeat with remaining pieces.
  • To make a 4-rope braid, lay ropes evenly side by side, then pinch at the top to connect. Take rope farthest to the right and cross it over second rope, so it is now the second rope. Take ropefarthest to the left and cross it over third rope, then take second rope and cross it over third.Repeat pattern to create a 12-inch-long loaf. Tuck ends and sides under; transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place until not quite doubled in size, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Whisk yolk and whole milk to combine. Brush loaf with egg wash; sprinkle with pearl sugarand almonds. Bake, rotating once, until evenly golden and a thermometer inserted in center registers between 205 degrees and 210 degrees, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely before slicing. Nisu is best the same day, but can be wrapped in plastic at room temperature up to 1 day.

EASY CARDAMOM BREAD



Easy Cardamom Bread image

Beautiful, delicious, and easy; your friends will be impressed. I make this around the holidays, it makes awesome french toast, if there is any left over.

Provided by Bethany Behrle

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     White Bread Recipes

Time 4h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup warm whole milk (110 degrees F (43 degrees C))
⅓ cup warm water (110 degrees F (43 degrees C))
½ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
½ cup white sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cardamom
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup melted butter
½ cup raisins
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
½ cup sliced almonds
¼ cup pearl sugar

Steps:

  • Whisk together the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted butter in a mixing bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over top, and set aside for 5 minutes.
  • Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the flour, adding more if needed to make a stiff dough. When the 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.
  • Combine 1/2 cup sugar with the cardamom and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 9x13-inch rectangle, and brush with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle with the cardamom sugar, 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.
  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • With 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 make the bread look braided, and is very pretty, but could be skipped. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the top of the bread. Sprinkle with almonds and pearl sugar.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is golden-brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.8 calories, Carbohydrate 70.3 g, Cholesterol 51.5 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 8.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 101.4 mg, Sugar 26.6 g

NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS BREAD



Norwegian Christmas Bread image

When my husband became a minister for a church in an area populated with Norwegians, my father-in-law was delighted because I had easy access to recipes he enjoyed as a child. This is a traditional Christmas bread, but I make it for any holiday we get together. -Deborah Petersen, Princeton, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 2 loaves.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3-3/4 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup diced citron or mixed candied fruit

Steps:

  • In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, egg, butter, salt, cardamom and 2 cups flour; mix well. Stir in raisins, citron and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to greased top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down; divide in half. Shape each portion into a flattened ball. Place in two greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts :

CARDAMOM HOLIDAY BREAD



Cardamom Holiday Bread image

I have fond memories of coming home from school to find this bread cooling on a wire rack. I could hardly wait for a warm savory slice.-Sheryl Olstad, Rochester, New Hampshire

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 3 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
4 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon salt
7-1/2 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk
Halved candied cherries
Toasted sliced almonds

Steps:

  • Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, eggs, sugar, butter, cardamom, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours., Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 9 portions. Roll each into a 12-in. rope. Place ropes on greased baking sheets. Working with 3 at a time, braid ropes. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under., Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°. Bake until golden, 20-25 minutes. Cool. Meanwhile, make a glaze by mixing confectioners' sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle glaze over loaves; decorate as desired with cherries and almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 141 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SWEDISH CARDAMOM BRAIDS



Swedish Cardamom Braids image

"Swedish people love their coffee-especially with this classic coffee cake. The recipe came from my father's aunt, and I can remember my mother crushing cardamom seeds to make it. Back then, you couldn't buy cardamom already ground." -Harriet Meola, Mauldin, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 loaves (12 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1-1/4 cups warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
2-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 to 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
TOPPING:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, sugar, egg yolks, cardamom, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down; divide in half. Divide each half into three portions. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a 16-in.-long rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Brush warm loaves with butter. Combine the pecans, sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over loaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 175 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 54mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

CARDAMOM BRAID BREAD



Cardamom Braid Bread image

I came across this recipe in 1983 and have been making it for the holidays ever since. One year I gave away 20 loaves! —Rita Bergman, Olympia, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 loaves (20 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 cups all-purpose flour
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons 2% milk, divided
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup honey
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, cardamom and salt. In a small saucepan, heat 1-1/2 cups milk, butter and honey to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough (dough will be sticky). , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each into a 14-in. rope. Place 3 ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Brush with remaining milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375° until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 114 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 91mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

FINNISH CARDAMOM BRAIDS



Finnish Cardamom Braids image

Every Finn I know often serves Nissua, a sweet bread with cardamom. I believe my mom's recipe beats all others, hands down! Her bread is soft and fluffy while others can be dry . No matter how many Nissua braids she makes for a popular annual craft fair, they're all gone by noon!-Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 eggs
7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, butter, salt, cardamom, eggs and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each half into thirds. Shape each piece into a 13-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet. Braid ropes; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 152mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh cardamom pods for the best flavor. If you don't have cardamom pods, you can use ground cardamom, but the flavor will be less intense.
  • Proof the yeast in warm water before adding it to the dough. This will help ensure that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
  • Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help develop the gluten in the dough and make the bread more chewy.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1 hour.
  • Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough out into a long rope. Braid the three ropes of dough together.
  • Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet. Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
  • Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Norwegian cardamom bread braids are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. These soft and fluffy breads are flavored with cardamom and sugar, and they are braided before baking to create a beautiful presentation. Serve these breads warm with butter or jam for a truly special experience.

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