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Slices of authentic Swedish limpa bread, ready to be served.
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Swedish Limpa Bread Recipe (Sirapslimpa)

Swedish Limpa Bread is a traditional Northern European bread that's distinct in flavor --- slightly sweet and subtly spiced. Locally known as 'sirapslimpa,' it's perfect for breakfast or making sandwiches. Plus, you can easily make it at home!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Resting Time1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time2 hours 50 minutes
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Swedish
Servings: 1 loaf
Calories: 2103kcal
Author: Neriz

Ingredients

  • 250 ml milk (about 1 cup)
  • 25 grams butter (about 3 & 1/2 tablespoons), plus more if using a loaf tin
  • 80 ml syrup (about 1/4 cup), plus more for brushing on top
  • 2 & 1/4 teaspoons yeast
  • 330 grams bread flour (11.64 ounces or about 2 cups)
  • 70 grams rye flour (2.46 ounces or about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 & 1/4 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 1 & 1/4 teaspoons anise seeds

Instructions

  • Mix yeast with 3/4 cup of warm water, then set aside until foamy.
  • Combine butter, milk, and syrup in a small saucepan.
  • Place over low heat until the butter melts --- set aside to cool.
  • Crush the fennel and anise seeds with a mortar and pestle.
  • Combine the bread flour, rye, salt, and seeds in a stand mixer bowl.
  • Once the yeast is ready, pour it into the bowl with the cooled butter and milk mixture. 
  • Mix and knead until you get a smooth dough.
  • Place your Swedish limpa dough in an oiled bowl, then cover with a clean kitchen towel until it doubles (about 60 to 75 minutes for me).
  • Uncover, transfer on a countertop, and form it into a loaf about 9 to 10 inches long.
  • Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and cover it with a towel until it expands to about twice its size (it generally takes 45 minutes for me).
  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Uncover your limpa loaf and place it in the lower part of the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes --- or until it turns brown.
  • As soon as you remove it from the oven, use a pastry brush to glaze the top with syrup.
  • Let cool for a few minutes, then serve --- your Swedish limpa bread is now ready for slicing!

Notes

  • Cook's Tip:  Make sure you only crush the seeds (instead of grounding them).  It helps in bringing out their flavor and aroma more.
  • Refer to the post for more tips and suggestions.

Nutrition

Calories: 2103kcal | Carbohydrates: 383g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 2608mg | Potassium: 1375mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 79g | Vitamin A: 1060IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 558mg | Iron: 6mg