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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat milk in a saucepan until bubbling, then remove from heat. Whisk in sugar, salt, and cardamom. Cool to lukewarm temperature.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water, allowing it to become creamy and activated for approximately 10 minutes.
- 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.
- Gradually add remaining flour, stirring until dough forms a cohesive mass and pulls away from bowl sides.
- Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic in texture.
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Punch down risen dough and divide into three equal portions.
- Roll each portion into long, uniform ropes. Carefully braid the ropes together, creating an intricate intertwined pattern.
- Position braided dough on a greased baking sheet. Let rise again for 30 minutes to enhance volume.
- Gently brush braid surface with beaten egg. Sprinkle pearl sugar across top for decorative finish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- 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