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Cozy Finnish Pulla Cardamom Braid Bread Recipe Easy Homemade Bread with Soft Aromatic Crumb

Finnish Pulla Cardamom Bread - featured image
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A soft, aromatic Finnish cardamom braid bread with a tender crumb and subtle sweetness, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (one for dough, one for egg wash)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pearl sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (110°F / 43°C) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit until foamy and bubbly on top.
  2. Mix the dough (10 minutes): Add softened butter, one egg, ground cardamom, salt, and about 2 cups (240 g) of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until dough pulls away from sides but remains soft and slightly sticky.
  3. Knead the dough (8-10 minutes): Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead by hand or with dough hook on medium speed until smooth and elastic. Dough should spring back when poked.
  4. First rise (1 to 1 1/2 hours): Place dough in greased bowl, cover with kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave in warm spot to double in size.
  5. Shape the braid (15 minutes): Punch down dough gently. Divide into three equal pieces. Roll each into 16-inch (40 cm) ropes. Pinch ropes together at one end and braid tightly but gently. Pinch other end to seal.
  6. Second rise (45 minutes): Transfer braid to parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise until puffy.
  7. Preheat and egg wash (5 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat remaining egg and brush over braid. Optionally sprinkle pearl sugar on top.
  8. Bake (25-30 minutes): Bake until golden brown and cooked through. Bread should sound hollow when tapped on bottom. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Cool and enjoy: Let pulla cool on wire rack before slicing.

Notes

If dough is too sticky during kneading, add flour a tablespoon at a time but avoid adding too much to prevent dense bread. For a shinier crust, brush braid with warm milk instead of egg wash. Freshly ground cardamom seeds give best aroma. Allow dough to fully double in size for best texture. Gentle but firm braiding keeps loaf airy. Variations include gluten-free flour blends, vegan substitutions, and flavor additions like raisins or orange zest.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulla, Finnish bread, cardamom bread, braided bread, homemade bread, aromatic bread, soft bread, Scandinavian bread

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/cozy-finnish-pulla-cardamom-braid-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-bread-with-soft-aromatic-crumb/