Description
Easter Paska Bread is a traditional holiday bread with a tender crumb, enriched with butter, egg yolks, orange zest, and a mix of dried fruits and almonds, embodying the spirit of spring and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 envelope Instant Yeast (7 grams)
- 1 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon water (lukewarm)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 egg yolks
- 3 egg whites
- 2/3 cups white sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 2/3 – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of two oranges
- 1 cup dried fruits
- 1/2 cup almonds (ground)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 egg white
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by adding the raisins to a medium bowl and covering them with hot water. Let them sit for about two hours.
- After that time, drain them and place them on paper towels to dry.
- In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water and instant yeast with a pinch of sugar. Allow it to foam for about 5-10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, sugar, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the activated yeast mixture.
- Add the softened butter and zest, and mix thoroughly.
- Sprinkle the flour and salt into the bowl, stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Fold in the raisins, ground almonds, and vanilla extract.
- Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 6-8 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Gently punch the risen dough down before shaping it into a loaf.
- Let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
- Brush the dough with an egg wash before baking.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze, and drizzle over the warm bread.
Notes
You can customize the mix of dried fruits or nuts to cater to your family’s preferences. For a lactose-free alternative, swap whole milk with almond milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg