Pulla(Finnish Coffee Bread)
A traditional Finnish coffee bread with aromatic cardamom, sweet raisins, and almonds, braided into beautiful loaves—perfect for sharing with friends and family over coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic.
- Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size.
- Knead the dough again briefly.
- Divide the dough into three strips and braid them into 12-inch loaves.
- Brush the loaves with beaten eggs immediately before baking.
- Sprinkle the loaves with sugar and chopped almonds (if using).
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and brush with a little sugar water while still warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. If you don't have ground cardamom, cinnamon can be a suitable substitute. For a richer taste, you can replace some of the water with milk. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise, and let the dough rest longer if your kitchen is cool.
Serving Suggestions
Pulla is delightful served warm with butter or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Pannekoeken(Crepes) for a charming brunch. For a festive touch, consider serving it at gatherings with a selection of jams or chocolate spreads. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can also elevate its presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Pulla in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pulla(Finnish Coffee Bread) contains roughly 232 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% 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 instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it first. This can save you time and works well in this recipe, yielding a similarly fluffy Pulla.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the Pulla?
If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the liquid content slightly to maintain consistency.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can experiment with adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a fruity twist. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans will add a nice crunch. Just be mindful not to overload the dough to ensure it rises properly.
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).