Dilah (Easter Bread)

Prep: 30 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Eastern European

Easter bread with a soft, sweet, and slightly rich flavor, featuring a ring shape and topped with a sugary glaze, perfect for festive gatherings and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla
  • 1/8 cup oil
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 packages yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm milk

Instructions

  1. Mix warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast together.
  2. Set aside to let the mixture rise.
  3. In a bowl, mix together eggs, 1 cup sugar, vanilla, oil, butter, and warm milk.
  4. Add the risen yeast to the mixture.
  5. Gradually add flour until the dough is manageable.
  6. Divide the dough in half.
  7. Form two rings and place them on baking pans.
  8. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
  9. Bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes.
  10. For the topping, mix together powdered sugar and butter.
  11. Spread the topping on the baked bread.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising. You can substitute the butter with margarine for a dairy-free option. If you find the dough too sticky, gradually incorporate more flour until it becomes manageable. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of the bread. For a twist, consider mixing in some citrus zest for added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This Easter bread is delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Pair it with a refreshing Lemonade Fruit Salad Dressing for a bright contrast. It also complements a variety of spreads, making it perfect for brunch. Serve alongside a Cheese Ball (Old English) for a festive gathering or enjoy it as a sweet snack on its own.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Dilah in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dilah (Easter Bread) contains roughly 779 calories, with 7g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value).

779 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 56.4g 72% DV
Carbs 61.9g 23% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 213.4mg 9% DV
Potassium 426.6mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 175.4mg 58% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 11.1mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 144.1mg 11% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Contains Milk Egg

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 a different type of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any milk alternative such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Just ensure that the milk is warm, as this helps activate the yeast. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still yield a delicious bread.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Alternatively, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area, or try placing it in an oven with just the light on for warmth.

Can I add fillings to the dough?

Absolutely! You can add fillings like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts before shaping the dough into rings. Just ensure not to overfill, as this can affect the bread's structure and rise.

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).

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