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Paska Easter Bread

A traditional Eastern European sweet bread, Paska is soft, rich, and lightly sweetened with a tender crumb. Often baked for Easter, it’s beautifully decorated with symbolic dough shapes or simple icing, making it a centerpiece for holiday celebrations.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:3 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (small & large)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Rolling pin (for decorations)
  • 9-inch springform pan or loaf pan
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
  • 1 cup whole milk warmed (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon optional
  • 1/2 cup raisins or candied fruit optional
  • For the Egg Wash:
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • Optional Glaze or Decoration:
  • Powdered sugar glaze 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tsp milk
  • Additional dough decorations crosses, braids

Instructions

  • Prepare Yeast:
  • In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Mix Dough:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Add yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Mix in raisins or candied fruit if using.
  • Knead Dough:
  • Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
  • Shape Bread:
  • Punch down dough. Shape into a round loaf or place in a greased 9-inch springform or loaf pan. Add dough decorations if desired.
  • Second Rise:
  • Cover shaped dough and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  • Prepare Egg Wash:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix beaten egg and milk. Brush gently over the top of the dough.
  • Bake:
  • Bake for 30–40 minutes, until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
  • Cool and Glaze:
  • Let Paska cool completely on a wire rack. Optionally drizzle with powdered sugar glaze or add decorations before serving.
Servings: 10 servings