Russian Easter Kulich
Russian Easter Kulich is a tall, festive bread with sweet glazed fruit and cherries, perfect for celebrating springtime and religious holidays with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast onto warm water and dissolve.
- In a large bowl, combine milk, sugar, margarine, vanilla, ground cardamon, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, then beaten eggs, stirring until well blended.
- Add glazed mixed fruit, then gradually beat in flour.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth and satiny.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough.
- Divide the dough into 2 or 4 sections; place each into a well-greased can.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size again.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with buttermilk. If you don't have glazed mixed fruit, use dried fruit soaked in warm water for a few hours. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising; if it doesn’t foam in warm water, it’s inactive. Kneading until the dough is smooth is crucial for the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve kulich sliced and drizzled with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a side of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Lemon Herb Sauce For Broccoli, providing a colorful and flavorful contrast to the sweet bread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the kulich in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It can be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm it in an oven at 350°F until heated through, or use a microwave at low power for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Russian Easter Kulich contains roughly 2440 calories, with 13g protein, 420g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast; just be sure to dissolve it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the mixture. The rising time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the dough.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
Can I add more fruits or nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite dried fruits or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Just be cautious not to overwhelm the dough; about 1 to 2 cups combined should work well without affecting the rise.
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).