Are you craving the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but short on time? This easy bread machine cardamom bread recipe is your perfect solution! Forget fussy kneading and precise timings; your trusty bread machine does all the hard work, leaving you with a deliciously fragrant loaf perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack. This recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding. It's one of those best recipes that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort – perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend baking. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons ground cardamom
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or raisins
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread machine: Ensure your bread machine pan is clean and ready. Grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray for easy release.
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Combine ingredients: Add the warm water to the bread machine pan, followed by the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This step is crucial for ensuring your bread rises properly.
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Add remaining ingredients: Add the salt, softened butter, egg, flour, and cardamom to the bread machine pan. If using, add the walnuts or raisins now as well.
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Select the bread machine settings: Choose the "basic" or "white bread" setting on your bread machine. Most machines have a setting for a 1.5 or 2-pound loaf; adjust accordingly.
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Start the machine: Close the lid and let your bread machine do its magic! This will typically take around 3-4 hours.
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Remove and cool: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Cardamom Bread:
- Fresh yeast: Using fresh yeast is key to a successful rise. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet.
- Water temperature: The water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Don’t over-flour: Add extra flour only if the dough seems excessively sticky. Too much flour can result in a dry loaf.
- Customize your spices: Experiment with other warming spices like cinnamon or ginger to complement the cardamom.
Variations:
- Sweet cardamom bread: Add 1/4 cup more sugar for a sweeter loaf. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar after cooling enhances this variation.
- Savory cardamom bread: Omit the sugar and add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for a savory twist. Serve with soups or stews.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-35g
- Fat: Approximately 4-6g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and slice size.
This homemade cardamom bread is a delicious and easy addition to your baking repertoire. It's a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas or a delightful treat anytime. Enjoy the warm, fragrant aroma and delightful taste of this simple yet satisfying loaf!