: Traditional Easter Bread With Soft Sweet Texture
185 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
11
Ingredients
Veg + Egg
Diet
Paska is a traditional Easter bread prepared in Eastern European homes, especially in Ukraine and neighbouring regions, where it symbolises celebration and the end of fasting. The enriched dough, made with eggs, milk, and butter, creates a soft interior and a gently browned crust that makes it stand out on festive tables.
This Easter bread is often shaped into round loaves and sometimes decorated on top, reflecting both cultural and seasonal importance. The addition of raisins and saffron brings subtle sweetness and aroma, while the slow proofing helps develop its characteristic light texture.
Paska fits well into Easter meals, either served plain, lightly sweetened, or paired with butter and tea during morning gatherings.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
6–7 cups(800 g)Flour (high-protein/bread flour)
4 tspActive dry yeast
5 tbsp Sugar
1 1/2 cupsMilk
3Eggs
1/4 cupButter
2 1/4 tspSalt
1/2 tspVanilla extract (optional)
1/2 cupRaisins (optional)
a few strandsSaffron (optional)
2 tbspCoarse sugar (optional)
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Activate yeast
Warm the milk until it feels slightly warm to the touch, then add yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit undisturbed until the surface turns frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.
Description - Step 2
Mix the dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add eggs, softened butter, and the yeast mixture, then begin mixing. Bring everything together into a soft dough, adding reserved flour gradually if it feels sticky.
Description - Step 3
Knead dough
Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel slightly soft but not overly sticky. Proper kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
Description - Step 4
First proof
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest in a warm place until it doubles in size. This slow rise improves both taste and texture, making the bread lighter once baked.
Description - Step 5
Shape loaves
Punch down the dough gently and divide into portions. Shape into round loaves and place them in greased baking tins. Keep some space for expansion as they rise again before baking.
Description - Step 6
Second proof
Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again until slightly puffy. This stage refines the crumb and ensures the bread doesn’t turn dense after baking.
Description - Step 7
Bake bread
Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar if using. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until the top turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Paska is a traditional festive bread prepared during Easter to mark the celebration after fasting. It carries symbolic value and is often shared with family during gatherings.
Yes, you can replace eggs with milk-based substitutes, but the texture will be less rich. Eggs help create a softer crumb and better structure.
This usually happens due to insufficient proofing or under-kneading. Allow enough rising time and ensure the dough becomes elastic before shaping.
Yes, raisins or candied fruits work well. They add mild sweetness and improve texture without affecting the structure of the bread.
Wrap it in a clean cloth or an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate and warm before serving.