Finnish Nisu Sweet Bread

Experience the rich, aromatic charm of Finnish baking with this traditional Nisu Sweet Bread recipe, a soft, golden braided loaf infused with the warm, exotic spice of cardamom. Perfectly sweetened with a touch of sugar and crowned with a sparkling layer of pearl or coarse sugar, this bread is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The carefully crafted dough, enriched with eggs and butter, creates a tender and slightly chewy texture that’s ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even a special holiday treat. Whether enjoyed plain, with a smear of butter, or paired with a steaming cup of coffee, this homemade Scandinavian classic is sure to impress. With step-by-step instructions for braiding and baking, this recipe makes creating a centerpiece-worthy loaf both fun and accessible to home bakers.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:180 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Whole milk
• 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 1.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
• 3 large Eggs
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, melted
• 6 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 large Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons Pearl sugar or coarse sugar

Directions

Step 1

Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the sugar until dissolved.

Step 2

Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until the yeast has dissolved and starts to foam.

Step 3

Add the salt, ground cardamom, and two eggs to the mixture. Beat well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4

Gradually mix in 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, stirring until smooth after each addition.

Step 5

Add the melted butter and mix well. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Step 6

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 7

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 8

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 16 inches in length.

Step 9

Braid the three ropes together, tucking the ends underneath to secure the shape. Place the braided loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 10

Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 11

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat the remaining egg and brush it generously over the surface of the braided loaf.

Step 12

Sprinkle the top with pearl sugar or coarse sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Step 13

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 14

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1595.6 grams (1595.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4685

Total Fat 134.20g	172%
Saturated Fat 74.90g	375%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g
Cholesterol 1046mg	349%
Sodium 2809mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 748.00g	272%
Dietary Fiber 21.90g	78%
Total Sugars 195.30g
Protein 115.50g	231%

Vitamin D 325IU	1625%
Calcium 699mg	54%
Iron 38mg	209%
Potassium 1798mg	38%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.9%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 64.2%