Swedish Limpa Bread

Limpa is the Swedish rye bread that smells like a holiday kitchen even on a random Tuesday.

Orange zest, caraway seeds, and fennel give this loaf its signature warmth, while a touch of rye flour adds earthiness without making the crumb heavy or dense.

Brown sugar brings a gentle sweetness that rounds out the spice.

This version is made entirely in a bread machine, so there’s no kneading, no rising anxiety, and no mess. Load the ingredients, press start, and come back to a fragrant loaf.

Kitchen Tips

• Add ingredients in the order your bread machine manual specifies. Most machines want liquids first, then dry, with yeast on top.
• Chop the orange zest finely. Large pieces can create pockets of intense citrus that overpower the caraway and fennel balance.
• This bread is best sliced thin and served with butter, smoked salmon, or a good aged cheese.