Okay, friend, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon from my baking arsenal: Lembas Bread. Seriously, this stuff is magic. If you love the comforting aroma and taste of a warm, cinnamon-swirled coffee cake but want something a little more… well, special, then you absolutely *have* to try this. It’s like coffee cake’s cooler, more adventurous cousin. This Lembas Bread Recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s an experience. I swear, the first time I made it, the whole house smelled like a fairy tale. It’s easy enough for a weeknight bake, but impressive enough to serve to company. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one!
What is Lembas bread?
So, what exactly *is* Lembas Bread? Well, think of it as a slightly sweet, incredibly tender, and utterly addictive bread, swirled with a gorgeous spiced filling. It’s essentially a rolled and sliced bread, baked until golden and then drizzled with a simple, yet elegant glaze. The name “Lembas” evokes images of journeys and warmth, and the bread itself lives up to the hype. It’s not overly sweet like some pastries; it has a gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm spices. It’s a bread you can eat anytime, and honestly, I think that’s part of its charm.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Lembas Bread Recipe.
- Flavor: The combination of the soft, slightly sweet bread with the spiced filling is absolutely heavenly. It’s not just sweet; there’s a warmth and depth of flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. I use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cardamom, which gives it this incredible aroma while it’s baking.
- Simplicity: Don’t let the beautiful swirls fool you; this bread is surprisingly easy to Make. The dough comes together quickly, and the rolling and slicing process is actually quite therapeutic. I’ve made it with and without a stand mixer, and honestly, both work just fine!
- Cost-efficiency: The ingredients are all pretty standard baking staples. You probably already have most of them in your pantry! That means you can whip up a batch of this amazing bread without breaking the bank. I love a recipe that tastes gourmet but is secretly budget-friendly.
- Versatility: You can totally customize the filling to your liking. I’ve tried it with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, even a little bit of orange zest. Feel free to experiment and create your own signature Lembas Bread. What I love most about this is the fact that it’s easy to switch it up. If I don’t have cardamom on hand, I sometimes add a pinch of cloves.
This reminds me a bit of babka, but the dough is a little less fussy, and the glaze is much simpler. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls or coffee cake, you’re going to adore this Lembas Bread.
How do I make Lembas bread?
Quick Overview
Making Lembas Bread is easier than you think! First, you’ll whip up a simple, slightly sweet dough. Then, you’ll roll it out, spread it with a spiced filling, roll it up like a jelly roll, slice it, and bake it to golden perfection. Finally, a simple glaze is drizzled over the top. The whole process is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is a show-stopping bread that will impress everyone. Trust me, you’ve got this!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Is there a
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) – I usually microwave it for about 45 seconds.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 14 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but highly recommended)
For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk – add a little at the time until you reach your desired consistency.
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour in it, just to be extra sure the bread doesn’t stick. Get this done first so you’re ready to go once the dough is.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside. How do I make sure the yeast is evenly distributed? If you’re using a stand mixer, use the bowl attachment. How can I make bread with the right texture?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Set aside. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast! I usually stick my finger in it. How do you make a warm soup?
Step 4: Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment until the dough comes together. Then, increase the speed to medium and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. Try not to overmix or the bread will be tough!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Set aside. Should the filling be smooth and spreadable? If your butter isn’t quite soft enough, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat it. To melt it completely! I always forget and end up with a melty mess.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the roll into 1-inch thick slices. Place the slices into the prepared pan, cut-side up. This is where the magic happens; you’ll see those beautiful swirls starting to form!
Step 7: Bake
Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the slices rise for about 30-45 minutes. How long does it take for a puffy thigh to get accustomed How long does it take to bake in the preheated oven? I always check my oven with a toothpick. It should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before drizzling with the glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and Vanilla Extract (if using) until smooth. How much milk should I add to my diet? I like my glaze to be thin enough to cling to the bread, but thick enough for a little drizzle. I always make extra glaze just in case. You can never have too much!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the Lembas Bread and serve warm. It’s absolutely divine on its own, but it’s also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea. I love to serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. Honestly, there’s never a bad time for Lembas Bread!
What is the best way to serve it?
What is the best Lembas Bread recipe? Right accompaniments. What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: by serving it.For Breakfast:What is the best way to start the day with a cup of coffee? I love pairing it with a dark roast. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the bread perfectly.For Brunch:How do you serve Lembas Bread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a mimosa? What are some of the best ways to add elegance to a brunch gathering?As Dessert:Serve warm slices of Lembas Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dipping. What are some of the best desserts I also like to drizzle it with a little bit of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. My kids love this version!For Cozy Snacks:What is better to curl up on the couch with a slice of Lembas Bread and ice cold cocoa? What is the Ultimate Comfort Food? I’m craving something sweet at 9pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake. This is my go-to when I want something different.
How do you make Lembas bread?
Okay, so you’re ready to make Lembas Bread? Awesome! Here are a few of my top tips to help you achieve baking perfection:
Yeast Prep: Make sure your milk isn’t too hot when you add it to the yeast, or it will kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise. The milk should be warm to the touch, but not scalding. I’ve ruined a few batches by being impatient, so trust me on this one!
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until the dough just comes together, and then knead it until it’s smooth and elastic. I always use the windowpane test (stretching a small piece of dough thin enough to see light through it without tearing) to check for proper gluten development.
Swirl Customization: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your filling! You can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt. Experiment and find your favorite combination. I once added a layer of Nutella…game changer!
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have cardamom on hand, you can substitute it with a pinch of cloves or allspice. You can also use almond milk or soy milk in place of regular milk. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the bread while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so it may need a little more or less time. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, you can use cream instead of milk. You can also add a tablespoon of melted butter or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor. I like to add a splash of lemon juice to the glaze for a bright, tangy twist.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make this Lembas Bread last? Here’s How to store it properly:
Room Temperature: You can store Lembas Bread at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate Lembas Bread for up to 5 days. Again, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: Lembas Bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bread, it’s best to wait to glaze it until after it’s thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy. If you’ve already glazed it, it will still freeze fine, but the glaze might not look as pretty after thawing. I’ve done both, and honestly, it still tastes amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it, friend! My go-to Lembas Bread Recipe. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a bread; it’s a slice of comfort, a touch of magic, and a whole lot of deliciousness. It’s perfect for cozy weekends, holiday gatherings, or just a simple treat for yourself. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Cinnamon Roll recipe or my apple coffee cake. They’re both family favorites! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any fun variations, definitely share them with me!
7 Secrets to Mastering the Perfect Lembas Bread Recipe from Lord of the Rings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 cup Butter, unsalted Softened
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 0.75 cup Milk
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the honey and milk until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes. Roll out to 0.25 inch thickness and cut into squares.
- Place the squares on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving. Enjoy your Lembas bread!
