Finnish Pulla, also known as Cardamom Bread, is a delightful sweet bread that holds a special place in Finnish cuisine. With its aromatic flavor and soft, slightly sweet texture, Pulla is perfect for enjoying as a breakfast treat or as an accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe provides an easy and straightforward method to make delicious Pulla at home. Let’s dive in and create this Finnish classic with minimal effort!
Easy Recipe for Finnish Pulla Cardamom Bread
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
For the topping and filling:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Pearl sugar or sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast and warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs.
- Stir the ingredients together until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into portions and shape them into desired shapes, such as braids, knots, or rolls.
- Place the shaped dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for further expansion.
- Let the dough rise again:
- Cover the shaped dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it increases in size.
- Preheat the oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Apply the topping and filling:
- Brush the risen dough with the beaten egg to create a glossy finish.
- Optionally, sprinkle pearl sugar or sliced almonds on top of the bread for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake the bread:
- Place the baking sheets with the prepared dough in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the Pulla turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Finish the Pulla:
- Once the Pulla is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on wire racks.
- While the bread is still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over them.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Pulla is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve it as a delightful breakfast bread or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Easy Recipe for Finnish Pulla Cardamom Bread Tips:
- For variations, you can add raisins, chopped almonds, or crushed cardamom seeds to the dough.
- Leftover Pulla can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Reheat it slightly before serving.
- If you don’t have pearl sugar, you can use coarse sugar as an alternative for the topping.
Easy Recipe for Finnish Pulla Cardamom Bread Conclusion:
With this easy Finnish Pulla (Cardamom Bread) recipe, you can bring the comforting flavors of Finland into your home without a complicated process. The soft and aromatic bread, enriched with cardamom, is a delightful treat for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in the wonderful taste and aroma of this Finnish classic. Enjoy the sweet and comforting flavors of Pulla as you savor every bite!
