How to Make Paska Bread - A Step-by-Step Guide

Paska bread, also known as Ukrainian Easter bread, is a traditional sweet bread that is commonly enjoyed during the Easter season. This rich and slightly sweet bread is often braided and adorned with colorful sprinkles, making it a beautiful and delicious addition to any Easter brunch or dinner table.

Paska bread is a staple in many Eastern European households and is often made with love and care, as it is a labor-intensive recipe that requires patience and attention to detail. The e...

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Ingredients

  • 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 3 cups warm milk
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 12 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 hrs 20 mins
  • Total Time: 6 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 18
  • Yield: 3 round loaves

  • Proof the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl until slightly frothy.
  • In the meantime, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in the warm milk; allow to cool to lukewarm. Once cooled, add the milk mixture to the yeast mixture along with 4 cups of flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Cover and put in a dark, warm place until the mixture is bubbly and doubled in size, about 2 hours.
  • Stir in the beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup butter, salt, and lemon peel. Stir well to blend. Begin adding the remaining flour a cup at a time to form a very soft dough.
  • Knead the dough on a floured board until soft and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours. Punch dough down, and allow to rise again for 30 minutes.
  • Divide dough into three parts and shape into slightly rounded loaves, and place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water; brush onto loaves.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bake in preheated oven until loaves are deep brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Once they are done, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust.
  • Nutrition

    600 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 106mg
    • Sodium: 161mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 98g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 14g
    • Protein: 16g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 79mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 225mg