Dive into the delightful world of Finnish baking with our irresistible Pulla Bread, a sweet, fragrant treat that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Finland! This soft and fluffy bread, infused with the warm, aromatic essence of cardamom, is perfect for any occasion—whether you're hosting a cozy brunch or simply indulging in a comforting snack with your favorite coffee. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a bread machine, you can create a stunning braided loaf that looks as amazing as it tastes. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Finnish
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature, especially milk, eggs, and butter.
- Add ingredients to bread machine pan in the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer, typically: liquids first (milk), then dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, cardamom), with yeast placed last and not touching liquid directly.
- Select the "sweet bread" or "enriched dough" setting on your bread machine, typically a medium or light crust setting.
- Start the bread machine cycle, which will mix, knead, and perform first rise automatically.
- Once the dough cycle completes, remove dough from bread machine pan and place on lightly floured surface.
- Gently punch down dough to release air and divide into three equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope approximately 16 inches long.
- Braid the three ropes together, pinching ends to seal and tucking under for neat appearance.
- Transfer braided loaf to parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise in warm, draft-free area for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during final rise.
- Prepare egg wash by whisking one egg with 1 tablespoon water.
- Gently brush braided loaf with egg wash for golden, shiny finish.
- Optional: Sprinkle with pearl sugar or sliced almonds before baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, traditionally with coffee or as a sweet breakfast bread.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure that your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps the dough rise better and results in a fluffier bread.
- Follow Your Machine's Order: Always add ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. This typically means liquids first, followed by dry ingredients, and placing the yeast last to avoid premature activation.
- Perfect Your Braid: When braiding the dough, make sure to pinch the ends well to seal them. This not only gives your bread a beautiful appearance but also helps it hold its shape during baking.
- Let It Rise: Allow the braided loaf to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This step is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture we all love in Pulla Bread.
- Add a Touch of Glam: For an extra special touch, sprinkle pearl sugar or sliced almonds on top before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful finish to your loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bread; it should reach 190°F (88°C) for perfect doneness.
- Cool Before Slicing: Resist the urge to slice into your bread right away! Let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour to ensure the texture is just right.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
