Ma'S Pyraga(Lithuanian Sweet Bread)
A rich Lithuanian sweet bread featuring golden raisins and a tender, fluffy texture, perfect for breakfast or special occasions, offering comforting sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together sugar, salt, and softened butter and pour hot scalded milk over the mixture. Let cool to lukewarm.
- Melt yeast in 1/4 cup warm water and add to the mixture.
- Add slightly beaten eggs to the mixture.
- Gradually stir in flour until dough is stiff enough to work.
- Add golden raisins into the dough and mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of scalded milk. If you can't find golden raisins, dried cranberries or sultanas can be good substitutes. Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. Kneading the dough thoroughly will help achieve a soft texture. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can add a touch more sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Ma'S Pyraga is delightful served warm, perhaps with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or as part of a brunch spread with other sweet breads like A.B.C. Bread. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ma'S Pyraga in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or oven until just heated through, which will help retain its soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma'S Pyraga(Lithuanian Sweet Bread) contains roughly 2546 calories, with 25g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 180g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2897mg per serving (126% 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 active dry yeast instead of packaged yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes until it's frothy before adding it to the mixture. This ensures it's activated properly for the best rise.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, gradually add more flour, a little at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour at once, as this can result in a denser bread.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or other dried fruits like apricots. Just keep the total quantity similar to the golden raisins to maintain the dough's texture.
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).