Pascha (Easter Bread)
A traditional Easter bread filled with sweet cheese, raisins, and aromatic spices, perfect for celebrations and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk and add the melted butter while still hot; let cool until lukewarm.
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water with 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Add the sugar and salt to the cooled milk mixture, then add the slightly beaten eggs and mace.
- Sift 7 cups of flour into a bowl and add the yeast mixture and milk mixture.
- Beat until smooth, then gradually add another 3 cups of flour to make a soft dough.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in bulk (about 2 to 3 hours).
- Punch down the dough, cover again, and let rise until doubled in bulk.
- Divide the dough into small and large portions as desired.
- Pat out the plain dough and create an indentation about 2 inches from the edge to resemble a hat.
- Prepare the cheese mixture and place it on the plain dough, sealing it in the middle.
- Prick the filled dough with a fork to release air bubbles.
- Braid some of the dough and place the braid in a circle around the top edge of the bread.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cottage cheese or ricotta. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cake flour. Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm place, and avoid over-kneading to keep the bread tender. For added flavor, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can be included in the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This Pascha bread is delightful served plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with Cucumber-Cream Salad for a light meal or can be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve slices with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. Consider enjoying it with No Bake Hi-Protein Quickie Cookies for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pascha in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pascha (Easter Bread) contains roughly 693 calories, with 29g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1353mg per serving (59% 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 all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour for making Pascha. While bread flour offers a higher protein content for better structure, all-purpose flour will still yield delicious results. Just be mindful that the texture may be slightly less chewy than if using bread flour.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Pascha, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is certified gluten-free, and you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency. Always check for cross-contamination if necessary.
What can I use instead of yellow food coloring?
If you prefer to avoid artificial coloring, you can use turmeric for a natural yellow hue. Just a pinch will suffice to achieve the desired color without overpowering the flavor. Alternatively, saffron can be used for a more luxurious option, although it may alter the flavor slightly.
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).