Around the holiday season, Swedish baking takes center stage with delicious treats that warm the heart and soul. One such delightful recipe that captures the essence of coziness and festive joy is Lingonbröd, also known as Lingonberry Bread. This traditional Swedish Christmas bread combines the tangy sweetness of lingonberries with a soft, moist dough, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in a taste of Scandinavian tradition, Lingonbröd is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Lingonbröd – Lingonberry Bread
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup lingonberries (fresh or frozen)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add the cold, diced butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and buttermilk until well combined.
5. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently to form a thick, sticky dough.
6. Gently fold in the lingonberries, being careful not to overmix the dough.
7. Transfer the dough into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the Lingonbröd from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the top of the bread with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a festive finish.
Serving Suggestion: Lingonbröd is best enjoyed sliced and served with a dollop of whipped cream or a cup of hot tea for a cozy Scandinavian treat. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Capture the spirit of Swedish Christmas traditions with this delightful Lingonbröd recipe. The sweet-tart flavor of lingonberries paired with a tender, buttery bread is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort during the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to Swedish cuisine, this recipe is a delightful way to add a taste of Scandinavia to your festive celebrations. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this Lingonberry Bread with loved ones, and savor the magic of the holidays with each delicious bite.
