Easter Kulich with Raisins and Lemon Zest

Name: Easter Kulich with Raisins and Lemon Zest
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 165 min
Yield: 2 medium loaves
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Ingredients: 250 ml warm whole milk; 7 g active dry yeast; 100 g granulated sugar; 3 whole large eggs; 100 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 600 g all-purpose flour, plus as needed; 1 tsp fine salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 whole lemon, finely zested; 150 g raisins; 1 whole large egg, beaten for glazing

A festive, raisin-studded Easter yeast loaf enriched with eggs, butter and milk.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 2 hr 45 minMakes 2 medium loaves

Jump to Recipe

This Easter kulich is a tall, enriched yeast bread scented with vanilla and citrus and dotted with raisins. Activate the yeast in warm milk, knead the dough until elastic, and allow enough time for two rises. Use paper kulich moulds or tall tins and avoid overfilling them. Bake until deeply golden and cooked through, then cool before adding any icing. Stir yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar into warm milk. Stand 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. Whisk remaining sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla and lemon zest. Stir in yeast mixture, flour and salt to form a soft dough. Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth. Knead in raisins. Cover and rise 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled.

Easter Kulich with Raisins and Lemon Zest

How to tell when it is ready

Cool in tins 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack and cool completely.

Tips

Stir yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar into warm milk.
Whisk remaining sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla and lemon zest.
Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
Divide dough among greased tall tins, filling each no more than halfway.

Troubleshooting

If dough rises slowly, move it to a comfortably warm, draft-free place.
If top browns early, tent loosely with foil.

Substitutions

Use plant milk and dairy-free butter.
Replace raisins with dried cranberries.

Variations

Add candied citrus peel.
Soak raisins briefly in warm tea and drain well.

Serving suggestions

Serve at Easter breakfast.
Offer butter and jam.
Pair with tea.
Slice for a festive bread basket.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Store wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days; freeze well wrapped up to 2 months.

Storage

Store wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days; freeze well wrapped up to 2 months.

Food safety

Cool completely before wrapping and refrigerate any iced loaf.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make kulich ahead?

Bake a day ahead and wrap once cool; add icing or decoration shortly before serving.

How should I store easter kulich with raisins?

Store wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days; freeze well wrapped up to 2 months.

Serve at Easter breakfast. Store wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days; freeze well wrapped up to 2 months.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Easter Kulich with Raisins and Lemon Zest