Description
Traditional Easter Paska Bread is a rich, sweet yeast bread filled with dried fruits, almonds, and orange zest. Soft, fluffy, and layered with a glossy, sweet glaze, this festive bread is perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Starter Ingredients
- 1 envelope Instant Yeast (7 grams)
- 1 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon water (lukewarm)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing before baking)
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare Raisins: About two hours ahead of time, soak the raisins in hot water in a medium bowl. After two hours, drain the raisins and dry them on paper towels.
- Make the Starter: In a large bowl, combine yeast and sugar. Pour in warm milk and lukewarm water, stirring until sugar dissolves. Gradually add 1 cup all-purpose flour, stirring to incorporate. Cover with a clean towel and let sit in a warm place for 2-3 hours until the dough rises to 2-3 times its original size.
- Prepare Egg Mixtures: Whisk egg yolks with 2/3 cup sugar and salt until smooth and creamy. Separately, whisk egg whites until soft, firm peaks form.
- Combine Dough Ingredients: Gently stir the egg yolk mixture into the starter dough using your hands to avoid over-beating. Add softened butter, vanilla extract, and continue mixing gently by hand or with a mixer using a hook attachment.
- Add Egg Whites and Flour: Slowly beat in the whisked egg whites until fully combined. Add remaining flour (2 2/3 to 3 cups) gradually and stir until combined. Knead the dough in the bowl, shape into a ball, cover with a towel, and rest in a warm place for 2-3 hours.
- Prepare Almonds and Mix-ins: Using a food processor, grind almonds until they resemble almond flour. Add ground almonds, orange zest, dried fruits, and drained raisins to the dough. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Baking Forms: Grease Paska baking forms with butter or baking spray and line with parchment paper if desired. Fill each form halfway with dough. Cover with a clean towel and let rest for 30-40 minutes without exceeding this time.
- Preheat Oven: Position oven rack in the middle or lower rack level. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Brush Dough: Whisk the remaining egg yolk and brush it evenly over the tops of the dough in the baking forms.
- Bake: Bake the Paskas for 30-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Remove from oven and transfer the breads to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white, powdered sugar, and lemon juice on high speed until firm, cloud-like peaks form.
- Glaze and Decorate: Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled Paskas. Allow the glaze to set before optionally sprinkling with rainbow sprinkles.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious, traditional Easter Paska bread.
Notes
- Soaking the raisins ahead of time ensures they are plump and moist in the finished bread.
- Be gentle when mixing the dough to retain its airiness, especially when folding in egg whites.
- Allow the dough to rise fully at both stages for a soft, fluffy texture.
- Use room temperature butter for easier incorporation.
- Resting times are important; do not rush the dough rising phases.
- Glaze adds a beautiful glossy finish and a touch of sweetness to the bread.
- Optional rainbow sprinkles provide a festive decorative touch perfect for Easter celebrations.
- Prep Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Keywords: Easter bread, Paska bread, traditional Easter recipe, yeast bread, sweet bread, holiday bread, fruit and nut bread
