Finnish Pulla Bread
Finnish Pulla Bread is a sweet, aromatic yeast bread flavored with cardamom and raisins, perfect for enjoying with coffee or as a festive treat. It offers a soft, flavorful crumb with a golden crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk, then cool until warm.
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk.
- Add beaten eggs to the mixture.
- Add salt and 1 cup of gluten flour, then beat well.
- Add melted butter and the remaining gluten flour, then beat well.
- Add sugar, ground cardamom, and raisins; knead 2 cups of unbleached white flour into the dough.
- Add more white flour if necessary to make the dough soft.
- Knead the dough for 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and form two braids.
- Let the braids rise on floured cookie sheets for 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Glaze the risen braids with beaten eggs and sprinkle with raw sugar.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you don't have gluten flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. For a twist, add orange zest or substitute some raisins with chopped nuts. Kneading well is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
Serving Suggestions
Pulla Bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with butter and jam or serve it alongside coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with an Acapulco After Dinner Drink for a delightful treat. Consider serving it with an Elegant Fruit Combo for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pulla Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Finnish Pulla Bread contains roughly 565 calories, with 32g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 959mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pulla Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, shape it into braids and allow it to rise before baking. This can enhance the flavor and texture of the bread.
What can I substitute for cardamom?
If you don't have cardamom, you can use a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg for a different flavor profile. While it won't be the same, it will still add warmth and spice to the bread.
Why is my dough not rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to using milk that's too hot or too cold, or expired yeast. Make sure the milk is warm (about 110°F/43°C) and check the yeast's expiration date before using it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).