Baska Bread
Baska Bread is a rich, fragrant loaf flavored with star anise and saffron, studded with raisins, perfect for festive occasions or a special treat with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in warm water.
- Stir in the cooled, scalded milk, sugar, eggs, salt, shortening or butter, star anise, saffron, and half of the flour.
- Mix until smooth.
- Add the raisins and the remaining flour.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into three loaves or place in greased coffee or shortening cans.
- Let the shaped loaves rise again until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the pans and cool on a wire rack.
- When cool, frost with powdered sugar frosting.
- Sprinkle with candy sprinkles before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with almond or coconut milk. If star anise is unavailable, use anise extract sparingly. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise; if in doubt, proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding to the mixture. Kneading the dough well is crucial for the texture of the bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baska Bread warm with a light glaze of powdered sugar frosting, and consider pairing it with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a delightful treat. This bread also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, especially those featuring fruits or nuts. It can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast or a lovely dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Baska Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baska Bread contains roughly 2886 calories, with 45g protein, 331g carbohydrates, and 163g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (131% of the Daily Value), and protein (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dry yeast. Use about 2.25 teaspoons of fresh yeast for every package of dry yeast. Dissolve it in warm water as directed, but keep in mind that fresh yeast may require a slightly shorter rising time.
What can I use if I don't have saffron?
If saffron is unavailable, you can use a pinch of turmeric for color, though it won't provide the same unique flavor. Alternatively, skip it altogether or use a few drops of saffron extract if you have it. The bread will still be delicious without it.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Baska Bread vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based milk. Replace shortening or butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).