Fluffy Finnish Pulla Recipe: A Sweet Bread Adventure

Warm, fragrant finnish pulla weaves a delightful tapestry of Nordic comfort and sweet tradition.

Soft cardamom-infused dough brings memories of cozy kitchens across finland.

Braided into elegant curves, this beloved pastry whispers stories of generations past.

Delicate and not overly sweet, pulla invites you to savor each tender bite.

Generations of finnish bakers have perfected this cherished recipe, passing down techniques through loving hands.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising a moment of pure culinary joy.

Let’s create something magical that connects you to finland’s rich baking heritage.

Why Finnish Pulla Is Braided Sweet Bread Bliss

• Savor Authentic Finnish Tradition: Homemade pulla brings the heartwarming flavors of Finland right to your kitchen, celebrating a beloved cultural bread that connects generations.
• Master Aromatic Baking: Cardamom-infused dough creates an incredible sensory experience, filling your home with a rich, warm fragrance that transforms ordinary baking into something extraordinary.
• Impressive Braiding Technique: Learn a stunning braiding method that turns simple ingredients into a beautiful bread, making you look like a professional baker with minimal effort and maximum visual appeal.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or special gatherings, this bread adapts beautifully to different occasions and delights everyone from kids to sophisticated guests with its sweet, subtle flavors.

What Gives Pulla Its Soft, Fragrant Magic

• Milk: A creamy base that helps activate the yeast and adds richness to the bread.
• Flour: The primary structure of the Finnish pulla, providing the bread's soft and tender texture.
• Yeast: A crucial leavening agent that helps the bread rise and develop a light, airy consistency.

• Warm Water, Egg, Melted Butter: These ingredients work together to create moisture, bind the dough, and enhance the bread's flavor and texture.

• Sugar, Salt, Cardamom: These ingredients add sweetness, balance the flavors, and provide the signature aromatic essence of traditional Finnish pulla.

• Pearl Sugar, Egg (for brushing): These ingredients create a beautiful golden-brown crust and add a delightful sweet crunch to the bread's exterior.

How to Shape and Bake Traditional Pulla

Step 1: Prepare Warm Milk Mixture

• Sugar
• Salt
• Cardamom

Let the mixture cool to lukewarm temperature.

Step 2: Activate Yeast

Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until it becomes creamy and foamy, around 10 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Milk mixture
• Yeast mixture
• Melted butter
• Egg

Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until the dough starts to come together smoothly.

Step 4: Knead Dough to Perfection

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead thoroughly until elastic and smooth, about 8 minutes. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Step 5: Shape Beautiful Braid

Preheat oven to 400°F. Divide dough into three equal pieces and roll each into a long rope.

Carefully braid the ropes together and place on a greased baking sheet. Allow bread to rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Bake

Brush braided dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips for a Light, Fluffy, Perfect Crumb

• Ensure milk is lukewarm to activate yeast without killing it, preventing dense bread.
• Use fresh cardamom for authentic Finnish flavor, grinding whole pods for maximum aroma.
• Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help it double in volume.
• Brush egg wash generously for a shiny, golden-brown crust that looks professionally baked.
• Store pulla wrapped in plastic or bread bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Creative Flavors to Infuse Into Your Pulla

• Nutty Nordic: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch and rich flavor.
• Fruity Flair: Fold dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots into the dough before braiding for a sweet burst of fruit.
• Chocolate Cardamom Swirl: Mix cocoa powder into half the dough and create a marbled effect when braiding, enhancing the traditional cardamom profile.
• Savory Herb Version: Replace sugar with grated parmesan cheese and add fresh rosemary or thyme to transform the sweet bread into a savory breakfast companion.

What to Sip or Serve with This Sweet Bread

• Pair with Comforting Hot Beverages: Enjoy Finnish Pulla with a steaming cup of black coffee or traditional Finnish kahvi, which perfectly complements the bread's subtle cardamom sweetness.
• Enhance with Creamy Spreads: Top warm slices with smooth butter, homemade berry jam, or honey to elevate the bread's delicate flavor and create a luxurious breakfast experience.
• Match with Light Afternoon Snacks: Serve alongside fresh berries, sliced almonds, or mild cheeses to balance the bread's rich texture and create a delightful Nordic-inspired treat.
• Complement with Warming Herbal Teas: Brew chamomile or lavender tea to highlight the bread's aromatic cardamom notes and provide a soothing, gentle pairing.

How to Store Braided Pulla to Keep It Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the Finnish Pulla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer Preservation: Slice the bread, place wax paper between layers, and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F, wrap bread in aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Quick Warm: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 15-20 seconds to restore softness.

FAQs About Baking and Serving Pulla

• What is the key flavor in Finnish Pulla?

Cardamom is the distinctive spice that gives Finnish Pulla its unique and traditional taste, providing a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor that sets this bread apart from other sweet breads.

• Why do I need to let the yeast sit for 10 minutes?

Letting the yeast sit allows it to activate and become creamy, which helps ensure proper rising and creates a soft, fluffy texture in the final bread.

• Is braiding necessary for this bread?

Braiding is a traditional Finnish method that not only makes the bread look beautiful but also helps create an even texture and allows for more even baking of the dough.

Finnish Pulla Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Scandinavian bakeries inspire this delightful Finnish Pulla, a cardamom-infused bread that weaves cultural tradition with sweet comfort. Delicate braids and subtle spice invite warm memories, drawing you into Nordic culinary heritage with each tender slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Pearl sugar (for topping)
• 1/4 cup warm water

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Instructions

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until bubbling, then remove from heat. Whisk in sugar, salt, and cardamom. Cool to lukewarm temperature.
2. Dissolve yeast in warm water, allowing it to become creamy and activated for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Combine milk mixture, activated yeast, melted butter, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate first 2 cups of flour, mixing thoroughly until well blended.
4. Gradually add remaining flour, stirring until dough forms a cohesive mass and pulls away from bowl sides.
5. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic in texture.
6. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with clean kitchen towel. Allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area until volume doubles, roughly 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F. Punch down risen dough and divide into three equal portions.
8. Roll each portion into long, uniform ropes. Carefully braid the ropes together, creating an intricate intertwined pattern.
9. Position braided dough on a greased baking sheet. Let rise again for 30 minutes to enhance volume.
10. Gently brush braid surface with beaten egg. Sprinkle pearl sugar across top for decorative finish.
11. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
12. Remove from oven, transfer to wire rack. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Choose high-quality cardamom for an authentic, rich flavor that defines traditional Finnish pulla bread.
• Allow dough to rise slowly in a draft-free area to develop complex, delicate textures and enhance overall taste.
• Use pearl sugar for an authentic Finnish touch, creating a delightful crunch and sweet glaze on the bread’s surface.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the bread remains soft and tender.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Finnish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg