Description
Paska Ukrainian Easter Bread is a traditional sweet yeast bread enjoyed during Easter celebrations. This fluffy, slightly sweet bread is enriched with eggs, butter, and flavored with vanilla and lemon zest. Optional raisins add a chewy texture, while a sugar-topped golden crust offers a delightful finish. Perfect for festivity tables or as a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1/4 cup pearl sugar or granulated sugar for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and grated lemon zest to create a fragrant wet mixture.
- Create Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and the egg mixture into the bowl with flour and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using raisins, knead them into the dough during this step to distribute evenly.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air pockets. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it inside a greased 9-inch round pan or a traditional Paska mold.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the surface of the dough with the beaten egg to give it a shiny crust and sprinkle pearl sugar or granulated sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Traditional Paska may include decorative dough shapes on top such as crosses or braids for a festive look.
- For extra flavor, soak raisins in warm water or rum for 10 minutes before kneading them into the dough.
- This bread freezes well after baking; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
