Paska Or Easter Bread
Easter bread with rich, buttery flavor and a soft, fluffy texture, perfect for celebrations or special gatherings, combining milk, eggs, yeast, and a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine scalded milk, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Allow to cool to lukewarm.
- Save 2 tablespoons of beaten eggs and add the rest to the mixture.
- Crumble yeast into lukewarm water and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Add the yeast mixture to the milk mixture.
- Gradually add 2 cups of flour at a time, stirring until the dough can be handled.
- Knead the dough on a floured board for 15 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, grease the top, and let rise for 1.5 hours.
- Knead the dough again for 15 minutes.
- Divide and shape the dough into 4 loaves.
- Place the loaves in greased 2-quart pans and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Brush the tops of the loaves with 2 tablespoons of set-aside beaten egg.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting some of the milk with half-and-half or adding a splash of vanilla extract. If you don't have yeast cakes, you can use about 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast instead. Make sure to knead well to develop the gluten for a soft texture. If time allows, letting the dough rise in a warm place can enhance its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Paska is delightful served warm with butter or jam, making it a perfect addition to breakfast or brunch. It pairs beautifully with Green Onion Dip for a savory contrast. For dessert, consider serving it alongside Creamy Mocha Fudge for a sweet finish. A light fruit salad can complement the richness of the bread nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the paska tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the toaster or oven for a few minutes until they're just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paska Or Easter Bread contains roughly 926 calories, with 15g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1928mg 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking. This method can enhance the flavor and texture of the bread.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is lukewarm, not hot. If it still doesn't rise, you can try placing it in a warmer environment or adding a bit of sugar to help activate the yeast.
Can I freeze paska bread?
Absolutely! Paska can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
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).