Cardamom-Infused Easter Celebration Bread
This Cardamom-Infused Easter Celebration Bread is a delightful and indulgent treat, perfect for your Easter breakfast table. Made using traditional techniques, this rich, fragrant loaf is characterized by its tender crumb and aromatic spices. The unique flavor profile comes from crushed cardamom pods, zesty citrus peels, and sweet raisins, making each bite a celebration of textures and tastes. Traditionally baked in 1-pound coffee cans for a fun presentation, this versatile recipe can also be crafted in standard loaf pans. Enjoy it warm, toasted, or drizzled with almond glaze for a truly memorable experience shared with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
900
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
active dry yeast
4 teaspoons (dissolved in warm water)
warm water
1/4 cup (used to dissolve yeast)
milk
3 cups (scalded and cooled to lukewarm)
flour
7-8 cups (sifted)
egg yolks
4 (beaten until light)
sugar
1 cup (mixed with egg yolks)
salt
1 teaspoon (added to dough)
cardamom pods
16 (crushed (about 2 teaspoons))
orange
1 (zested)
lemon
1 (zested)
raisins
1/2 cup (mixed into dough)
chopped almonds
1/2 cup (optional, mixed into dough)
butter
1 cup (melted)
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (sifted for frosting)
water
4 tablespoons (mixed for frosting)
almond extract
2-3 drops (added to frosting)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve 4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
2
In a large saucepan, scald 3 cups of milk, then allow it to cool to lukewarm. Once cooled, add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3
Using a sifter, sift in 2 cups of flour into the milk mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or electric beaters until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5
In a separate bowl, beat the 4 egg yolks with 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
6
Add the egg yolk-sugar mixture to the dough, stirring thoroughly. Incorporate the salt, crushed cardamom pods, grated orange peel, grated lemon peel, raisins, and chopped almonds (if desired). Mix well.
7
Pour in the remaining 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of melted butter, stirring to combine.
8
Gradually stir in the remaining flour, about 1 cup at a time, until a stiff dough forms.
9
Turn the dough out onto a floured bread board and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
10
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turn to coat, and cover again with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it's doubled in size.
11
Meanwhile, grease three 1-pound coffee cans and dust the insides with sugar to prevent sticking.
12
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal portions. Fill each coffee can halfway with the dough. Allow the dough to rise in the cans for an additional 30 minutes, or until it reaches the brim of each can.
13
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the filled coffee cans in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
14
If desired, prepare the optional frosting by mixing 2 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar, 4 tablespoons of water, and 2-3 drops of almond extract until smooth.
15
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and cool in the cans for a few minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Once completely cooled, drizzle the optional frosting over the loaves to finish.
Nutrition Information
33g
Fat
140g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardamom-Infused Easter Celebration Bread?
This is a rich, fragrant traditional holiday loaf characterized by its tender crumb, aromatic spices, and unique presentation, often baked in coffee cans.
What are the primary flavors in this Easter bread?
The flavor profile features crushed cardamom pods, zesty orange and lemon peels, and sweet raisins.
Can I bake this bread if I don't have 1-pound coffee cans?
Yes, while coffee cans are traditional for this recipe, you can also use standard loaf pans.
How many teaspoons of active dry yeast are required?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
How do I prepare the yeast for the dough?
Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
What is the procedure for preparing the milk?
You must scald 3 cups of milk and then allow it to cool to lukewarm before adding the yeast mixture.
How many cups of flour are used in total?
The recipe uses between 7 and 8 cups of sifted flour, added in different stages.
How many egg yolks does this recipe call for?
This recipe specifically uses 4 egg yolks, which are beaten with sugar until light and fluffy.
How much cardamom is needed and how should it be prepared?
You need 16 cardamom pods, which should be crushed to yield approximately 2 teaspoons.
Are almonds a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped almonds is an optional addition to the dough.
How long should the dough rise initially?
The first rise, after mixing the initial milk and flour, should last for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
What is the second rising period for the dough?
After kneading, the dough should rise in a greased bowl for another hour until doubled in size.
How long should I knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured board for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How do I prepare the coffee cans for baking?
Grease three 1-pound coffee cans and dust the insides with sugar to prevent the bread from sticking.
How much should I fill the coffee cans with dough?
Fill each prepared coffee can halfway with the dough portions.
How long is the final rise once the dough is in the cans?
The dough should rise in the cans for an additional 30 minutes, or until it reaches the brim.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat and bake the bread at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread takes approximately 1 hour to bake, or until golden brown.
How do I test if the bread is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is finished baking.
What ingredients are in the optional frosting?
The frosting consists of 2 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar, 4 tablespoons of water, and 2-3 drops of almond extract.
When should the frosting be added to the bread?
The frosting should be drizzled over the loaves only once they have completely cooled.
How many calories are in a serving of this bread?
Each serving contains approximately 900 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 33g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 140g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this bread provide?
The bread provides 13g of protein per serving.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include: easter bread, yeast bread, celebration bread, cardamom, sweet bread, holiday baking, and festive bread.
How should the bread be served?
It can be enjoyed warm, toasted, or drizzled with the optional almond frosting.
How much butter is used in the dough?
One cup of melted butter is stirred into the dough.
What citrus fruits are used for zesting?
The recipe calls for the zest of one orange and one lemon.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make three loaves when using 1-pound coffee cans.