Traditional Russian Easter Bread
A rich, fluffy Russian Easter bread featuring a sweet, yeasty flavor with a tender crumb. Perfect for celebrating springtime festivities and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Set aside in warm place until bubbly.
- Heat milk and water to lukewarm; add yeast mixture and mix well.
- Measure 4 cups of flour into a bowl; add liquid and mix well, using a mixer.
- Set aside, covered, in a warm place for 1 hour, then melt margarine and beat eggs.
- Add sugar, salt, margarine, and eggs to the raised dough.
- Add remaining flour a little at a time, kneading until hands are clean.
- Put in warm place, covered, and let rise again until double in bulk.
- Grease seven 2-pound coffee cans well.
- Fill each half full, then put in warm place to rise to the top of cans.
- Beat one whole egg with a very small amount of water and brush over the tops of the breads.
- Bake in a 325° to 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until nicely browned.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; if using dry yeast, remember to activate it properly. You can substitute margarine with butter for a richer flavor. If you’re short on time, consider using a stand mixer for mixing and kneading. For an extra touch, add some cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a subtle spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this traditional Russian Easter bread sliced, with butter or cream cheese for spreading. It pairs beautifully with Orange Candied Yams or a light salad for a festive brunch. Consider adding a fruit compote or preserves for a sweet contrast. This bread also makes delightful French toast if you have leftovers.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Easter bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and place in a low oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Traditional Russian Easter Bread contains roughly 766 calories, with 7g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1497mg per serving (65% 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 milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk for evaporated milk. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different, as evaporated milk is thicker. You could also use a mix of whole milk and a bit of cream for a richer result.
What if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, check the temperature of your environment; it should be warm but not hot. Make sure your yeast is active and not expired. If it's still sluggish, you can give the dough a gentle knead and set it in a warmer spot.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before, let it rise, shape it, and then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature and rise before baking. This makes it convenient for holiday gatherings.
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).