Laskiaispulla Recipe: Traditional Finnish Sweet Bun Guide

Laskiaispulla is a beloved Finnish treat traditionally enjoyed during the Laskiainen festival, marking the start of Lent. These delightful sweet buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with luscious almond paste and whipped cream, making them an irresistible indulgence.

Whether you’re celebrating a Nordic holiday or simply craving a delicious pastry, this recipe brings a taste of Finnish culture right to your kitchen. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, laskiaispulla combines the comforting texture of freshly baked buns with the richness of cream and almond filling, offering a balanced sweetness that’s truly satisfying.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step laskiaispulla recipe that’s easy to follow and yields bakery-quality results. From preparing the dough to assembling the perfect cream-filled buns, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to make this Finnish classic come alive.

Plus, I’ll share some handy variations and serving suggestions to customize your treat. Let’s dive into the world of Nordic baking and enjoy this delicious tradition together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This laskiaispulla recipe stands out because it balances traditional flavors with a simple, approachable method. The buns come out incredibly soft and tender, thanks to the carefully measured yeast dough enriched with butter and milk.

The homemade almond filling is naturally sweet and nutty, complementing the light, airy whipped cream perfectly.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, the instructions are clear and designed to help you achieve the best results without stress. Plus, this recipe can be adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets with a few tweaks.

Enjoy the cozy experience of making and sharing these buns that carry the warmth of Finnish heritage.

Ingredients

• For the buns:
• 3 ½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp ground cardamom (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warm
• ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• For the filling:
• ¾ cup (200 g) almond paste
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) whole milk
• For the topping:
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• Small bowl for mixing almond filling
• Serrated knife
• Sifter for powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C) with the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cardamom, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Add wet ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the beaten egg into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to combine until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface or in the mixer for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour, but keep it soft.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
7. Second rise: Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Prepare the almond filling: In a small bowl, crumble the almond paste and mix with warm milk until smooth and spreadable.
10. Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whisk the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
11. Assemble the laskiaispulla: Slice the cooled buns horizontally about one-third from the top. Scoop out a little crumb from the bottom half, spread a generous layer of almond filling, then top with a dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half back on and dust with powdered sugar.
12. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. These are best eaten fresh for the perfect texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For the fluffiest buns, be sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm but not too hot, which can kill the yeast.

Try substituting the almond paste with raspberry jam or strawberry jam for a fruity twist.

If you want to make this recipe vegan, replace milk with plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk), use vegan butter, and whip coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also find vegan almond paste or make your own by blending almonds, sugar, and a touch of plant milk.

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure.

To add extra flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon into the dough or add a splash of almond extract to the almond filling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Laskiaispulla pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for afternoon fika or a cozy breakfast. You can also serve it alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness of the cream and almond filling.

For a festive touch, consider serving these buns with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. They also make an excellent dessert after a Nordic-themed dinner party.

If you love exploring traditional recipes from different cultures, check out these delicious and varied options to expand your culinary repertoire:

• Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide
• Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals
• Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas

Conclusion

Making laskiaispulla at home is a rewarding experience that brings a piece of Finnish tradition right to your kitchen. This recipe offers a perfect balance of soft, cardamom-scented buns, creamy almond filling, and fluffy whipped cream that will delight anyone lucky enough to try them.

With straightforward steps and flexible ingredients, you can customize these buns to suit your taste or dietary needs, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing for a festive celebration or simply craving a sweet, comforting pastry, laskiaispulla is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and serving ideas to find your perfect version.

Happy baking and enjoy every bite of this Nordic delight!

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