Kulich
Kulich is a traditional sweet bread, often enjoyed during Easter celebrations. Its moist, rich texture is complemented by flavors of almonds, lemon peel, and saffron, making it perfect for festive occasions or special breakfasts. This flavorful loaf suits those who love aromatic, slightly sweet baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk and remove any scum.
- Pour the cooled milk into a large mixing bowl.
- Dissolve the dry yeast in lukewarm water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add the yeast mixture to the milk.
- Add 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, and mix thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Beat the egg yolks with sugar until light and thick.
- Stir the egg yolk mixture into the risen dough.
- Add melted butter, saffron, peel, and salt; mix well.
- Gradually stir in 1 3/4 cups of flour to make the dough just firm enough to handle.
- Mix in diced almonds and golden raisins.
- Shape the dough into the desired form and place in prepared molds or pans.
- Let the dough rise again until nearly doubled.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 90 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of skim. If you don't have saffron, a pinch of turmeric can provide a similar hue. Make sure the milk is cooled to a lukewarm temperature before adding the yeast to activate it properly. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve kulich sliced with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream frosting or a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. You can also enjoy it with honey or jam for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
Storage & Reheating
Kulich can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply place it in a warm oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kulich contains roughly 1119 calories, with 42g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), iron (126% of the Daily Value), and protein (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1699mg per serving (74% 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?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dry yeast. Use about three times the amount of fresh yeast compared to dry, so approximately 6 ounces. Dissolve it in the lukewarm water as you would with dry yeast.
What can I substitute for milk if I have a dairy allergy?
If you have a dairy allergy, you can use almond milk or oat milk as a substitute for cow's milk in this recipe. Just ensure the milk substitute is unsweetened to avoid altering the sweetness of the kulich.
How can I tell when the kulich is done baking?
The kulich is done baking when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, the kulich is ready to be removed from the oven.
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).