Paska (Easter Bread)
A rich and fluffy Easter bread with a tender crumb and subtle sweetness, perfect for celebrations and family gatherings, offering comforting flavors and traditional appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat milk just until bubbles start to form around the edge of the pan.
- Cool the milk to lukewarm temperature.
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large bowl, stirring until dissolved.
- Stir in the milk mixture. Add 2 eggs and 3 cups of flour.
- Beat with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add 3 more cups of flour, mixing with hand until dough is stiff enough to leave the side of the bowl.
- Turn out dough onto a floured pastry cloth or board.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the dough. If you don't have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, using the same amount. Ensure your milk is not too hot when added to the yeast, as high temperatures can kill the yeast and prevent the bread from rising properly.
Serving Suggestions
Paska is delightful served warm with butter or as a sweet treat with jam. It pairs beautifully with Seaweed Salad for a unique Easter brunch. Consider slicing it and toasting it lightly for breakfast or serving it alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Paska bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paska (Easter Bread) contains roughly 1059 calories, with 15g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2153mg per serving (94% 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 add fillings to the Paska, like raisins or nuts?
Absolutely! You can fold in raisins, currants, or chopped nuts after mixing in the flour. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if adding a significant amount, as it can affect the dough consistency.
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).