Finnish Nisu - Sweet Bread Recipe

Name: Finnish Nisu - Sweet Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 packages active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water; 1 (13 ounce) can undiluted evaporated milk, heated to 110 degrees; 1/2 - 1 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon crushed cardamom, seed; 4 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup softened butter; 8 -9 cups all-purpose flour; egg, mixed with; milk, for glaze; sliced almonds or plain sugar, for decoration

Servings: persons

2 packages active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 (13 ounce) can undiluted evaporated milk, heated to 110 degrees
1/2 - 1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon crushed cardamom, seed
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup softened butter
8 -9 cups all-purpose flour
egg, mixed with
milk, for glaze
sliced almonds or plain sugar, for decoration

1
Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
2
Stir in the milk, sugar, salt, cardamon, eggs and enough flour to make a batter (approx. 2 cups).
3
Beat until dough is smooth and elastic.
4
Add about 3 cups of flour and beat well.
5
Dough should be smooth and glossy in appearance.
6
Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time until dough is stiff.
7
Add the butter; beat until dough looks glossy again.
8
Turn out onto floured board, cover with inverted bowl.
9
Let rest for 15 minutes.
10
Knead until smooth and satiny.
11
Place in lightly greased bowl, turn dough to grease top, cover lightly and let rise in warm place- until doubled in size.
12
Punch down; let rise again.
13
Turn out onton a lightly floured board, divide into 3 parts, and divide each part into 3.
14
Shape each piece of dough into a strip 16 inches long by rolling between palms and board.
15
Braid 3 strips together into a straight loaf and pinch ends together and tuck under.
16
Repeat for second and third loafs.
17
Place on lightly greased baking sheets.
18
Let rise until puffy (1/2 to 1 hour).
19
Glaze loaves with a mixture of beaten egg and milk.
20
Sprinkle with sugar and sliced almonds.
21
Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
22
Do not overbake- or bread will be dry.

1138

kcal

Calories

Fat

167

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 packages active dry yeast, 3/4 cup warm water, 1 (13 ounce) can undiluted evaporated milk, heated to 110 degrees, 1/2 - 1 cup sugar, and more.

Yes, Finnish Nisu - Sweet Bread falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Finnish Nisu - Sweet Bread

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions