Ukrainian Paska Easter Bread

Recipe card

Ukrainian Paska Easter Bread

Prep 35 minCook 40 minTotal 3 hr 15 minYield 2 loaves

Adjust recipe Half batchOriginal batchDouble batchOnly numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and the pan or baking dish specified in the method

Ingredients

240 ml warm whole milk 14 g active dry yeast 100 g granulated sugar 1 tsp fine salt 225 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled 4 whole large eggs, room temperature 850 g all-purpose flour, plus more if needed 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 whole lemon, finely zested 1 whole large egg, beaten, for glaze

Instructions

1. Activate yeast

   Stir yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar into warm milk. Stand 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix dough

   Whisk remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, vanilla and lemon zest. Stir in yeast mixture. Add flour gradually to form a soft dough.

3. Knead and rise

   Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rise 1 to 2 hours until doubled.

4. Shape

   Divide dough between two greased 20-cm round tins. Cover and rise 30 to 60 minutes until dough crowns the tins. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F).

5. Glaze and bake

   Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake 30 to 40 minutes until deep golden and a skewer comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

6. Cool

   Cool in tins 10 minutes, then transfer carefully to racks and cool completely.

How to tell when it is ready

Cool in tins 10 minutes, then transfer carefully to racks and cool completely.

Tips

• Stir yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar into warm milk.
• Whisk remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, vanilla and lemon zest.
• Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Divide dough between two greased 20-cm round tins.

Troubleshooting

• If dough is sticky, add flour gradually, not all at once.
• If loaf browns early, tent with foil and continue baking.

Substitutions

• Use plant milk and dairy-free butter.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon.

Variations

• Fold in raisins.
• Add candied citrus peel.

Serving suggestions

• Serve at Easter breakfast.
• Offer butter and honey.
• Pair with tea.
• Add icing or sprinkles after cooling.

Make ahead

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

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze well wrapped for up to 2 months.

Food safety

Cool completely before wrapping; keep away from raw egg wash and clean utensils.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare paska dough ahead?

After kneading, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping.

How should I store ukrainian paska easter bread?

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze well wrapped for up to 2 months.

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