Easter Bread(Pascha)
Easter Bread (Pascha) is a rich, slightly sweet yeast bread filled with golden raisins and creamy cheese, perfect for festive celebrations and brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat cottage cheese to lukewarm.
- Add butter and eggs to the cottage cheese and mix well.
- Combine dry yeast with flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the cottage cheese mixture, beating well after each addition until the dough is stiff.
- Dust raisins with flour and add to the flour mixture.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and turn it into a well-greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Let the dough rise again for 40 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush the bread with soft butter and sprinkle with a few pinches of salt.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using farmers cheese instead of cottage cheese. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly. You can also substitute the golden raisins with dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different twist. Ensure the water added during the yeast activation is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. This bread can also be enjoyed as a base for Yuletide Scrambled Eggs.
Serving Suggestions
Easter Bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with butter and jam for breakfast or as a snack. For a festive brunch, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad. It can also be enjoyed with coffee or tea. For a unique twist, use it as a base for a sweet bread pudding.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Easter Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easter Bread(Pascha) contains roughly 815 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and potassium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1941mg per serving (84% 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 make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, shape it and place it in the greased casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This can enhance the flavor and texture of the bread.
What if I don't have quick rising yeast?
If you only have regular active dry yeast, you can still use it. Just activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the dry ingredients. This may extend the rising time slightly, so be prepared for longer waits during the fermentation process.
How can I enhance the flavor of the Easter Bread?
Consider adding spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for additional warmth. You could also incorporate citrus zest—like lemon or orange—for a bright flavor. Another option is to add chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition, making it a delightful addition to your Easter table.
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).