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Nisu Bread (Finnish Sweet Bread) – Bread Machine Version

The scent of cardamom always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t Finnish, but she had a well-traveled friend who shared this Nisu bread recipe many years ago, and it became a Christmas morning staple. The sweet, yeasty aroma mingled with the evergreen scent of the tree, creating a memory I cherish. While she baked hers in the oven, I’ve adapted it for the convenience of a bread machine, which makes it even easier to enjoy this delicious treat.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (estimated, depends on your bread machine cycle)
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup evaporated milk (not sweetened/condensed)
1/4 cup water
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons butter, softened
4 cups bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed cardamom seed
2 teaspoons dry yeast

Equipment Needed

Bread machine

Instructions

Ensure your bread machine pan and kneading blade are clean and properly installed.
In the order specified by your bread machine’s manufacturer (this is crucial for optimal results), add the ingredients to the bread machine pan. Generally, liquids go first, followed by dry ingredients, with yeast added last.
Pour 1 cup of evaporated milk into the bread machine pan. Note: Be sure it’s not sweetened condensed milk.
Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan.
Gently whisk 1 egg in a separate bowl, then pour the beaten egg into the bread machine pan.
Add 3 tablespoons of softened butter. Ensure the butter is soft to aid in mixing; you don’t want clumps of butter in your dough.
Measure 4 cups of bread flour and carefully add it to the pan, covering the liquid ingredients. Bread flour is key here for structure and chew; all-purpose will work in a pinch but the texture will change slightly.
Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the pan. This not only sweetens the bread but also feeds the yeast.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt into a corner of the pan, away from the yeast. Salt regulates the yeast activity; adding it directly on top of the yeast can inhibit its rise.
Add 1 teaspoon of crushed cardamom seed. Cardamom is the signature flavor of Nisu bread, so don’t skip it! If you can’t find crushed cardamom, you can use ground, but the flavor will be less intense. Consider using slightly more if using ground cardamom.
Finally, add 2 teaspoons of dry yeast to the pan, preferably on top of the flour and away from the salt.
Close the lid of the bread machine and select the appropriate setting. Most machines have a “Basic” or “White Bread” setting. Set the crust color to “Light” for a golden, delicate crust.
Press start and let the bread machine do its work. The machine will handle the kneading, rising, and baking.
Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine, using oven mitts as the pan will be hot.
Gently turn the pan upside down to release the bread onto a wire rack. If the bread sticks, gently loosen the sides with a spatula.
Let the Nisu bread cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. This is important for the texture; slicing hot bread can result in a gummy interior.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra glossy crust: Before baking, brush the top of the dough with a mixture of egg wash (1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk or water).
Spice it up: Experiment with adding other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a slightly different flavor profile.
Adjusting for humidity: If your dough seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
Don’t open the lid: Resist the urge to open the bread machine lid during the baking cycle. This can cause the bread to collapse.
High Altitude Adjustments: In high altitude, reduce the yeast by 1/4 teaspoon and increase the water by 1 tablespoon to start.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Nisu bread is best served warm, either sliced or toasted, with a generous spread of butter and your favorite jam. It’s also fantastic as Finnish-style French toast!

Storage: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat slices in a toaster, oven, or microwave. To reheat the whole loaf, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (estimated)	% Daily Value
Calories	245 kcal	12%
Total Fat	6.5g	8%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	25mg	8%
Sodium	185mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	15%
Dietary Fiber	1.5g	6%
Sugars	8g	–
Protein	5.5g	11%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk or another non-dairy milk alternative. Use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Gluten-Free: While not traditionally gluten-free, you can experiment with a gluten-free bread flour blend designed for bread machines. Be aware that the texture and rise may be different.
Vegan: In addition to the dairy-free options, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) to replace the chicken egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the bread machine.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
Raisins or Cranberries: Incorporate 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture. Add them during the kneading cycle according to your bread machine’s instructions for adding mix-ins.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: Yes, you can, but the texture of the bread will be different. Bread flour has a higher protein content, resulting in a chewier, more structured loaf. All-purpose flour will produce a softer, less chewy bread.

Q: My Nisu bread didn’t rise properly. What could be the reason?
A: Several factors can affect the rise, including old or inactive yeast, using water or milk that’s too hot or too cold, or incorrect measurements of ingredients. Make sure your yeast is fresh and follow the recipe precisely.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a bread machine?
A: Yes! You’ll need to knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer, let it rise in a warm place, and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Q: My crust is too dark. How can I prevent this?
A: Reduce the sugar slightly or tent the top of the bread with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. Also, ensure your bread machine is set to the “light” crust setting.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: It depends on the capacity of your bread machine. Check your bread machine’s manual to see the maximum capacity of the pan. Overfilling the pan can cause the bread to overflow and damage the machine.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the simplicity and comforting aroma of freshly baked Nisu bread. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating this classic Finnish treat in your own kitchen. Feel free to adjust the spices and ingredients to your liking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations and feedback! Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea, and let the sweet cardamom scent transport you to a place of warmth and contentment.

Nisu Bread (Finnish Sweet Bread) -(ABM) Recipe