Description
Easter bread, known as Paska or Babka, is a delightful sweet, braided bread enjoyed during the Easter season, symbolizing joy and celebration.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups (500g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml), warmed
- Large eggs: 3, plus 1 for egg wash
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115g), melted
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
- Raisins: 1 cup (150g), plump and soaked in warm water
- Colored sprinkles: for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast by combining warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit until frothy.
- Mix the dough by combining flour and salt, making a well in the center, and adding the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and lemon zest.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the soaked raisins into the kneaded dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the bread by punching down the dough, dividing it into three pieces, rolling them into ropes, and braiding them together.
- Let the braided loaf rise on a greased baking sheet for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the egg wash by beating the remaining egg and brushing it over the top of the loaf.
- Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool the bread on a wire rack and decorate with colored sprinkles.
- Serve the Easter bread fresh or toasted.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best results.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not too hot to activate the yeast.
- Allow the dough to rise properly for flavor and texture.
- Experiment with flavors by adding spices or different dried fruits.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Easter bread, Paska, Babka, sweet bread, holiday baking