"Pulla" - Finnish Coffee Cake
A fragrant Finnish coffee cake featuring warm spices, soft texture, and a sweet, tender crumb—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or with afternoon coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in 1/8 cup warm water (about 105°F) with 1 teaspoon sugar and let it sit until foamy.
- Scald 1 cup of milk and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until well combined.
- Add the scalded milk to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Stir in the dissolved yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, salt, and cardamom powder, mixing to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or rolls.
- Place in a greased baking pan and let rise again until nearly doubled.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of Crisco in your dough. If you don't have cardamom, you can substitute it with cinnamon for a different but delicious taste. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; expired yeast can lead to dense bread. If the dough is too sticky, gradually sprinkle in more flour until you achieve a workable consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Pulla is best served warm, accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with Pear Delight or can be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal that highlights the sweet, rich flavors of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pulla in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, where they will keep for up to three months. To reheat, thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in a toaster or oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Pulla" - Finnish Coffee Cake contains roughly 378 calories, with 15g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2792mg per serving (121% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour; however, it may result in a denser texture. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a light and fluffy Pulla.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and springs back slowly when poked with a finger. This indicates that the yeast is active and the dough has developed enough structure for baking.
Can I add fillings to Pulla?
Absolutely! You can fill your Pulla with various ingredients like nut paste, jams, or even chocolate chips before shaping. This adds a delightful twist to the traditional recipe and can cater to different taste preferences.
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).