Caraway seed crispbread (Knäckebröd)

Caraway is one of the most defining spices in Scandinavian baking. This unleavened, baking powder version is for those wanting quick homemade crispbread. Wholemeal flour adds rustic texture and nutty flavour, highlighted by the aroma of caraway. Its greatness lies in its simplicity: clean flavours, crunchy experience.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 6 servings
🔥 Calories 200 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Swedish

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Rolling pin
  • Fork for pricking
  • Baking tray

Allergen Information

⚠️ Cereals containing gluten

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Mix the dry ingredients (flours, salt, sugar, baking powder, caraway) in a bowl.

Tip: You can crush the caraway slightly in a mortar if you want a more intense flavour.
2

Add the oil and water. Knead together with quick movements. Stop kneading once the dough comes together.

Tip: Over-kneading activates gluten, making the dough elastic and spring back when rolling instead of staying crumbly.
3

Divide the dough into portions. On a floured surface (or parchment paper), roll out as thin as possible (paper thin!).

Tip: Thick dough remains soft in the middle and won't be crispy.
4

Prick the dough densely with a fork (or use a spiked rolling pin).

Tip: Steam escapes through the holes, keeping the dough flat and evenly baked.
5

Slide into the hot oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown spots appear.

Tip: Every oven is different, watch constantly: thin dough can burn in moments!
6

Break into pieces and let cool on a wire rack.

Tip: Only seal in a box after completely cooling.

Recipe FAQ

Why did it puff up?
You forgot to prick it! Steam generated in the dough needs to escape, otherwise 'pillows' form.
How long does it keep?
In an airtight container, it stays crisp for weeks.

Ingredients

  • 200 g Plain flour
  • 200 g Wholemeal flour (or rye flour)
  • 200 ml Water (cold)
  • 0.5 dl Olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 pinch Sugar
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 2 tbsp Whole caraway seeds