Softest Paska Kulich Sweet Easter Bread Recipes

PASKA EASTER BREAD RECIPE (KULICH)

Steps:

• Pour enough rum or warm water over the dried fruits to keep them submerged and allow them to rehydrate for 1 hour, or up to 1 week in advance. Cover the bowl and refrigerate if doing this more than 1 hour in advance. Then, drain the dried fruits and pat with paper towels to remove all moisture from the outside. Set aside or refrigerate.
• Prep: Grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray, set aside.Measure and prep all of the ingredients. Weigh the ingredients for best results.Check/proof your yeast if you're unsure if the yeast is still active, or if you're using active dry yeast instead of instant dried yeast.
• Combine:To a bowl of a stand mixer or a bread maker add the ingredients in the following order: 4 eggs, 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla, 2 tbsp + 1 tsp of milk or water, 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/4 tsp of yeast and give a quick stir with a spoon until it's chunky. Then fit the mixer with a dough hook and knead on low speed until it barely comes together.
• Knead: Then knead on medium-low speed for about 20 minutes (on a KitchenAid stand mixer - speed 3). If using the bread machine it should be turned on to the 1.5 hour dough cycle for a 2 lb white bread loaf. The dough will be thick at this point, this is OK.Check for gluten development (windowpane test). To do this take a walnut-sized piece of dough, flatten it out, then slowly stretch it until you can make it very thin and almost translucent. If the dough tears instead of getting thin and transparent continue kneading until it gets to this stage. It might take more or less time depending on many factors. Go by the windowpane test and not the time.
• Add butter and salt: Next, add butter in halves, in small cubes and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated about 15-20 minutes. You might have to break the dough into small chunks to make the incorporation with the butter easier. DO NOT ADD ANY MORE FLOUR - it's ok if the dough is on the runny side. As continue kneading it will hold shape better, but still should not be firm.If mixing in the bread maker: add the butter when the bread maker beeps about 20 minutes into the cycle, which indicates that any additions can be made (in our case we are adding butter).
• Add 1 cup of re-hydrated, but well-drained or paper towel dried fruits, 1 tbsp orange zest, and 3/4 cup white chocolate chips into the dough. Knead until fully incorporated.
• Rise and chill: Transfer the dough to the greased bowl and allow the dough to rise at room temperature (see Note 3) for 1 hour or until the dough is almost doubled in size.Tip: To aid in proofing or rising of the dough preheat the oven to 250F for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat and place the bowl with the dough in the oven. Ensure that the oven is not hotter than 100F or the extreme heat will kill the yeast and now allow the dough to rise.Then cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days. Only skip the refrigeration if you are really tight on time. The prolonged fermentation aids in flavor and texture of the Easter bread.
• Remove from the fridge and shape. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round ball by tucking edges of the dough all around under itself until the top looks nice and smooth. Place inside the large 6 or 7-inch round and tall Panettone mold. Or divide the dough between two 5-inch Panetone molds.For mini Easter breads, divide the dough between the 3 lined with parchment paper (see pix) 32 oz cans with both ends removed. Or divide between 9-12 small two inch round paper molds. The dough should fill the molds about halfway.
• Proof: Allow the dough to proof until it is doubled in size. To create a warm environment repeat the trick with preheating the oven to 250F for 2-3 minutes, then turn it off and place the molds with the dough in there. The oven shouldn't be hotter than 100F.Once doulbed in size, lightly brush the tops with whisked yolk.
• Place in a preheated to 350F oven and bake until the inside registers 190F degrees and the tops are golden in color. If the dough browns too fast, loosely tent the top with foil.Bake time: times are approximate as each oven is different For the 6-7 inch round molds - 55-65 minutes. For 5 inch molds - 40 minutesFor the 3.5-inch round molds - 35 minutes. The 2-inch round molds will take about 20 minutes. While the bread is baking, make the glaze (directions below) and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a film from forming.
• Remove the baked Easter Bread from the oven and allow to cool completely. Then, cover with glaze by spreading some of the powdered sugar glaze on top with a spoon or spatula, or dipping the smaller paska bread tops into the glaze. Sprinkle the sprinkles on top, if desired.
• Combine 1.5 cups powdered sugar, 1 egg and 1 tsp of lemon juice in a mixer and whip until the mixture is thick, but still flows in slow, lava-like motion, about 5-7 min. You can take a spoonful and allow it to drizzle down the inside of the bowl, if it flows down slow, leaving a nice drizzle, you can stop whipping. If not, just continue whipping until it's proper consistency.

SOFTEST PASKA (KULICH) - SWEET EASTER BREAD

Steps:

• Mix the milk with 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast, and 1 1/2 cups flour in a large bowl. Stir well until you get a smooth thick batter. Cover with a plastic wrap and put in a warm dark place until the mixture doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, combine dried fruits, orange zest, and cognac in a small bowl; stir well and set aside until needed. In a separate small bowl, mix the saffron and two tablespoons hot water. Set aside to let the spice infuse the liquid.
• When you see that your batter has already doubled in size, it's time to beat the eggs. In a stand mixer, beat 3 egg whites with salt until you get stiff peaks, about 3 minutes. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat 6 egg yolks with the remaining granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Pour in the saffron water, together with saffron threads, stir to combine.
• Using a spatula or big spoon, gradually mix the yolk mixture with the butter until well combined. Then add the softened butter and mix with your hands to fully incorporate. Follow with egg whites. Continue mixing with your hands until you get a smooth, airy mixture. Then start slowly adding the remaining 3 cups flour, mix until you get a soft and moist dough. Mix the dough with the dried fruits and chopped pistachios. Knead for 1 more minute. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let proof until doubles in size, about 2 hours.
• Divide the dough evenly between your paper baking molds, filling each mold only halfway through; try to handle it with caution and care not to disturb it too much. Let the dough rise once again in molds, for about 1 hour or longer, until the molds are 3/4 full.
• Preheat the oven to 350F. Whisk the remaining egg yolk and one egg white in a small bowl. Brush the top of each Paska with the egg wash. Bake Paska for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove Paska from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
• In a stand mixer, beat the remaining 3 egg yolks with 1 tablespoon lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is entirely white and glossy with no bubbles. Frost the top of each Paska with the whipped whites and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and dried fruits.

PASKA EASTER BREAD RECIPE (KULICH)

Steps:

• In a large Mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups + 2 Tbsp warm milk, 6 eggs, 1 Tbsp yeast, 2 cups sugar, 2 sticks melted butter (just warm, not hot!), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla. Whisk in 4 cups flour. Your batter will be thick like sour cream. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place or a warm oven (about 100˚F) for 2 hours.
• Add 5 more cups of flour; one cup at a time or until the dough no longer sticks to your hands (it will still feel sticky but wont' stick to your fingers). I find it's easiest to fold flour in with a silicone spatula. Dough should be soft. Stir in 1 to 1 1/2 cups raisins. Cover and let dough rise another 2 hours in a warm oven (100˚F).
• Divide dough evenly into the three paper baking molds; try not to mix it or stomp it down too much. Let dough rise uncovered in a warm 100˚F oven for an additional 2 hours or until the molds are almost full. Remove from the oven and preheat oven to 350˚F.
• Bake at 350˚F for 30-35 minutes in the middle of the oven until the top is golden brown. Let cool to room temp or just warm and then tear off the wrapper.
• Once the Breads are at room temperature and wrappers are off, get your frosting ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar with 3 Tbsp lemon juice. Add a little water if it's too thick or a little more powdered sugar if it's too runny. Pour the glaze over each cooled Easter bread. Traditionally, these are topped with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.

PASKA EASTER BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 cup warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add remaining water. Beat in the milk powder and 5 cups flour until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Add eggs, butter, salt and remaining sugar; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half and set 1 portion aside. Divide remaining portion in half; press each portion into a well-greased 10-in. springform pan. Divide reserved dough into 6 balls. Shape each ball into a 30-in. rope; make 2 braids of 3 ropes each. Place a braid around the edge of each pan, forming a circle. Trim ends of braids, reserving dough scraps. Pinch ends of braids to seal. Shape scraps into 2 long thin ropes; form into rosettes or crosses. Place 1 decoration on the center of each loaf. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. , In a small bowl, beat egg and water; brush over dough. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

PASKA EASTER BREAD RECIPE (KULICH)

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, 1 tbsp of yeast and 1 tbsp of sugar; allow mixture to sit for 15 minutes.
• Then add the yolks, sour cream, melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, oil, salt and vanilla sugar to the yeast mixture, whisking well to incorporate everything.
• Add 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture and knead dough over low speed adding remaining flour until the dough has formed. Once dough has formed knead for 5 minutes over medium speed. (Dough will be slightly tacky yet indents can be easily made when poking.)
• Cover dough and allow to rise for 2-3 hours in a very warm place or until doubled in size. (Your dough shouldn't rise super fast so don't worry if it's taking very slow.
• Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and slightly pat into a rectangular shape. Sprinkle dough with raisins and lightly knead into a ball dusting a little more flour to form a smooth ball.
• Spray 10 (10 oz) disposable foam cups with cooking spray and lightly flour each cup. Place cups onto a large baking sheet and scoop out 1/2 a cup of dough. Shape dough into balls then place into each cup. (Cups should be half way full of dough and makes about 10 balls.)
• Cover cups with plastic wrap and allow dough to rise until doubled in size or until dough reaches almost the rim of the cup (2-3 hours.)
• When dough has doubled in size place in a preheated 350 degrees F oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until nicely browned.
• Allow breads to cool in cups for 4 minutes then run a sharp knife around the sides. Tip over and lightly squeeze the bottom of the cup for the bread to pop out. Repeat until bread removes, do not pull bread out.
• Whisk together the glaze adding more water if needed. (A little goes a big way so please add the water and milk by tbsp until desired consistency.) Glaze warm breads and sprinkle with colored sugar.

PASKA SLOVAK EASTER BREAD

Steps:

• Combine flour, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt (dry ingredients) in a large bowl.
• Pour in the warm milk (not hot!) and water, crack in the whole egg, and add the softened butter.
• Process into a smooth, soft dough. First, mix the ingredients roughly in a bowl with a wooden spoon, then turn the mass onto a floured surface. Sprinkle a small handful of flour on the side. Start working the dough with your hands, and if it sticks, always 'dip' the dough in the prepared flour. Knead until the dough doesn't stick and is beautifully elastic.
• Return the smooth ball of dough to the bowl and cover with cling film. Put it in a warm spot to first-time rise for an hour. The volume of the yeasted dough should double. Halfway through the rising time, knead the dough briefly to support further leavening.
• Prepare the pan in which you will bake the paska bread. I used a small 8-inches springform pan. I greased the form lightly with butter and lined its bottom and sides with baking paper. Thanks to the butter, the paper sticks to the sides of the pan and holds nicely.
• From the risen bread dough, separate a quantity about the size of an egg. Divide this small egg-sized dough into four pieces and roll each into a thin strand. Twist two of each together, making a simple braid.
• Shape the remaining dough into a loaf and place it, seam side down, in the lined tin. Place the prepared braids over the dough in the shape of a cross. Tuck their ends between the loaf and pan's sides a little.
• Cover with a clean kitchen towel and put the prepared paska bread to rise for another hour.
• Make an egg wash: Whisk an egg with a fork in a medium bowl and brush the whole surface of the bread, braids included, with it.
• Preheat the oven to 356°F / 180°C (upper and lower heat). Transfer the paska bread to a wire rack, close the oven door, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, depending on its size.

RUSSIAN EASTER BREAD (KULICH)

Steps:

• Make dough:
• Heat milk, sugar, butter, saffron, and salt in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm.
• Meanwhile, stir together yeast, warm water, and pinch of sugar and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. (If mixture doesn't foam, discard and start over with new yeast.)
• Put flour in a large bowl and make a large well in center. Lightly beat 3 eggs and add to well along with milk and yeast mixtures. Carefully stir together with a wooden spoon, gradually incorporating flour, until a soft dough forms. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead, dusting with just enough flour to keep dough from sticking, until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Put dough in a lightly oiled large bowl, turning to coat with oil, and let rise, covered with a clean kitchen towel, in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled in bulk, about 3 hours.
• Punch down dough and let rise again, covered with towel, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
• Form loaves:
• Generously butter soufflé dishes. Punch down dough and divide in half. Loosely wrap 1 piece in plastic wrap and set aside. Cut away one third of remaining piece of dough and reserve, then roll remaining two thirds into a large ball and transfer to a soufflé dish.
• Roll reserved piece of dough into an 18-inch-long rope on work surface with palms of your hands. Cut rope into 3 equal pieces and lay pieces vertically side by side on work surface, about 1/4 inch apart. Gather 3 ends farthest from you and press them together, then braid strands, pressing together other ends to secure braid. Lay braid over top of dough in soufflé dish (trim braid if using coffee cans). Form another loaf with remaining dough in same manner.
• Cover loaves with clean kitchen towel and let rise in draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours (loaves will rise about 1 inch above rims of dishes).
• Bake loaves:
• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
• Lightly beat remaining egg with a large pinch of salt, then brush egg over top of each loaf. Bake loaves until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, about 1 hour. Turn loaves out onto a rack, then turn right side up and cool completely.