Paska(Traditional Slavic Easter Bread)
A rich, slightly sweet Easter bread with a tender crumb, featuring raisins and a buttery flavor, perfect for celebrating springtime and special occasions with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk and let it cool to lukewarm temperature.
- Mix together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add 1/2 cup of lukewarm milk to the dry mixture.
- Crumble the yeast into a medium-sized bowl or saucepan, add 2 teaspoons of sugar, and pour in the remaining lukewarm milk.
- Let the yeast mixture sit until it becomes foamy, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting some of the milk with buttermilk. If you don't have fresh yeast, active dry yeast can be used instead; just activate it in warm milk with sugar first. Ensure the milk is not too hot when mixing with yeast to avoid killing it. Adding zest from a lemon or orange can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Paska is traditionally enjoyed with butter and honey spread on slices. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Lemon Pudding as a light dessert after your Easter meal. Serve it alongside fresh fruits or preserves for a delightful breakfast or brunch option. Consider pairing with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Paska in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paska(Traditional Slavic Easter Bread) contains roughly 336 calories, with 7g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 991mg per serving (43% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but the texture may be denser. Make sure to adjust the liquid slightly if needed, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of Paska, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer. Use plant-based milk and replace butter with vegan margarine. This will keep the texture similar while meeting vegan dietary needs.
What can I add to vary the flavor of Paska?
Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a warm spice note. You can also fold in chopped nuts or citrus zest for extra flavor. Dried fruits like currants or cranberries could also be a delightful addition.
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).