As Easter approaches, many families around the world prepare for the holiday by baking traditional Easter paska. This sweet and rich bread has been a staple for Easter celebrations for centuries, and its significance goes beyond its delicious taste. It is a symbol of new life, renewal, and rebirth, making it the perfect addition to any Easter table. Whether you are a seasoned baker or new to the world of paska, this recipe will guide you through the steps of creating a beautiful and tasty Easter paska to share with your loved ones.
Easter Paska is a traditional Easter bread that is popular in many Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, Poland, and Russia. It is a sweet bread made with eggs, butter, and sugar, and is often topped with a cross made of dough. It is typically served on Easter Sunday as part of the Easter feast. Here are some delicious variations of Easter Paska to add to your menu this holiday season!
2of 40
Caramelized Onion Pie for Easter Brunch
Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Red Pepper, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Eggs
This savory pie is the perfect addition to your Easter brunch menu. It is made with a flaky crust and filled with caramelized onions, cheese, and herbs. It is a great alternative to the traditional sweet dishes served on Easter and is sure to be a hit with your guests.
3of 40
Nana's Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Salt, Yeast, Water
This recipe for Nana's Easter Paska Bread has been passed down through generations and is sure to become a family favorite. It is made with simple ingredients, including eggs, flour, and butter, but the end result is a beautifully braided bread that is perfect for Easter brunch.
4of 40
Easter Paska Buns
Main Ingredients: Instant Dry Yeast, Water, White Sugar, All Purpose
If you love the taste of Easter Paska but want something a bit smaller and easier to serve, try making these Easter Paska Buns. They are made with the same dough as traditional Paska but are formed into individual buns for a cute and delicious twist on the classic recipe.
5of 40
Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Raisins, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Instant
This recipe for Easter Paska Bread is a bit different from the traditional version. It includes the addition of raisins and candied citrus peel, giving the bread a sweet and fruity flavor. It is also topped with a simple glaze for a beautiful finishing touch.
This Ukrainian Easter Paska recipe is similar to the traditional version but includes the addition of saffron, giving the bread a beautiful golden color. It is also topped with a sweet lemon glaze, making it a perfect addition to any Easter feast.
7of 40
Slovak Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Sugar, Salt, Butter, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
Slovak Easter Paska Bread is a rich and flavorful bread that is a staple in many Slovakian households during Easter. It is made with eggs, butter, and raisins and is typically served with honey or jam. It is a great option for those who prefer a less sweet bread for their Easter brunch.
8of 40
Glazed Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Bone In Ham, Whole Cloves, Brown Sugar
No Easter feast is complete without a delicious glazed ham. This recipe for Glazed Easter Ham is simple yet flavorful, with a glaze made from Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and honey. It is sure to be a hit with your guests and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
9of 40
Traditional Easter Dinner
Main Ingredients: Spiral Cut Ham, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Pineapple
In addition to Easter Paska and glazed ham, there are many other traditional dishes that are served as part of Easter dinner. Some popular options include roasted lamb, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Make sure to include a variety of dishes to please all of your guests.
10of 40
Easter Sunshine Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter Cake Mix, Mandarin Oranges, Vegetable Oil, Eggs
This bright and colorful Easter Sunshine Cake is the perfect dessert to serve after a heavy Easter dinner. It is made with layers of lemon cake, raspberry filling, and a delicious cream cheese frosting. Top it off with some colorful Easter candy for a festive touch.
11of 40
Traditional Italian Easter Pie
Main Ingredients: Powdered Sugar, Large Eggs, Pure Vanilla Extract
This Traditional Italian Easter Pie, also known as "Pizza Rustica," is a savory pie filled with ingredients like ham, salami, and cheese. It is a hearty and delicious addition to any Easter feast and is popular in many Italian households during the holiday season.
These Easter Resurrection Rolls are a fun and meaningful addition to any Easter brunch. They are made with crescent roll dough, marshmallows, and cinnamon and sugar, and represent the story of Jesus' resurrection. They are easy to make and will surely be a hit with kids and adults alike.
13of 40
Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar
This Italian Easter Bread is a sweet and festive treat that is popular in many Italian households during Easter. It is made with a sweet dough and is often decorated with dyed Easter eggs. It is a beautiful addition to any Easter table and is sure to be a hit with your guests.
14of 40
Easter Dirt Cake
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Soften, Butter, Powdered
If you're looking for a fun and easy dessert to make for Easter, try this Easter Dirt Cake. It is made with layers of chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms, and is topped with colorful Easter eggs. It's a fun and delicious treat that is sure to be a hit with everyone.
15of 40
Easter Strawberry Champagne
Main Ingredients: Water, Granulated Sugar, Chopped Strawberries
Toast to the holiday with this refreshing and festive Easter Strawberry Champagne cocktail. It is made with fresh strawberries, champagne, and a splash of vodka for an extra kick. Serve it in cute glasses with a strawberry garnish for a beautiful and delicious addition to your Easter celebration.
16of 40
Easter Egg - Deviled Egg Chicks
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder
These adorable Easter Egg - Deviled Egg Chicks are a fun and creative way to serve deviled eggs at your Easter celebration. They are made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard, and are shaped to look like little chicks. They are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
17of 40
Dr. Pepper Glazed Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Bone In Ham, Whole Cloves, Brown Sugar
For a unique twist on the classic glazed ham, try making this Dr. Pepper Glazed Easter Ham. The glaze is made with Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, and spices, giving the ham a delicious and slightly sweet flavor. It is easy to make and will add a fun and unexpected element to your Easter feast.
18of 40
Easy Brown Sugar Honey Glaze for Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Light Brown Sugar, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Unsalted
If you're short on time but still want to serve a delicious glazed ham for Easter, try this Easy Brown Sugar Honey Glaze. It only requires three ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes. The combination of brown sugar and honey creates a sweet and sticky glaze that is perfect for ham.
This Easter Bark is a fun and easy dessert to make for the holiday. It is made with white chocolate, pastel M&M's, and sprinkles, and can be customized with your favorite Easter candy. It is a great option for those who want a simple yet delicious treat to serve at their Easter celebration.
If you're looking for a fun and easy snack to serve at your Easter gathering, try making this Easter Popcorn. It is made with popcorn, white chocolate, and pastel M&M's, and is perfect for munching on while watching Easter movies or playing games. It's a crowd-pleaser that takes just minutes to make.
Easter Paska is a traditional Ukrainian bread that is often served during Easter celebrations. It is a sweet, rich bread that is usually decorated with intricate designs and symbols, making it a beautiful centerpiece for any Easter table. While the recipe may vary from family to family, the basic ingredients include flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and yeast. Some families may also add raisins, candied fruit, or other toppings to their Paska.
22of 40
Caramelized Onion Pie for Easter Brunch
Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Red Pepper, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Eggs
If you're looking for a savory dish to add to your Easter brunch menu, look no further than this delicious caramelized onion pie. In this recipe, thinly sliced onions are cooked until they are soft and sweet, then combined with eggs, cream, and cheese to create a rich and flavorful filling. The pie is then baked until golden brown and served warm, making it the perfect addition to your Easter feast.
23of 40
Nana's Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Salt, Yeast, Water
In many families, Easter Paska is a beloved tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. This recipe for Nana's Easter Paska Bread is a perfect example of that. Passed down from the author's grandmother, this recipe features a soft and fluffy bread that is infused with the flavors of vanilla and lemon. It is then decorated with a cross on top, making it a beautiful and meaningful addition to any Easter celebration.
24of 40
Easter Paska Buns
Main Ingredients: Instant Dry Yeast, Water, White Sugar, All Purpose
If you're looking for a smaller, individual-sized version of Easter Paska, try making these Easter Paska Buns. In this recipe, the Paska dough is formed into individual buns, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. They are also a great option for those who may not want to commit to a whole loaf of bread. These buns are also great for Easter morning breakfast or brunch.
25of 40
Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Raisins, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Instant
This simple and delicious recipe for Easter Paska Bread is a great option for those who want to try making this traditional bread for the first time. The ingredients are easy to find and the instructions are easy to follow, making it a great option for beginners. The end result is a beautiful and tasty bread that is sure to impress your Easter guests.
In Ukraine, Easter Paska is a staple of the Easter holiday. This recipe for Ukrainian Easter Paska is a classic version of the bread, featuring a rich and sweet dough that is decorated with traditional designs. The recipe also includes step-by-step instructions for creating the intricate designs on top of the bread, making it a great option for those who want to make a truly authentic Paska.
27of 40
Slovak Easter Paska Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Sugar, Salt, Butter, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
Similar to the Ukrainian version, Slovak Easter Paska Bread is a traditional Easter bread that is often served in Slovakia. This recipe features a rich and flavorful bread that is filled with raisins and topped with a sweet glaze. The bread is also decorated with a cross on top, making it a beautiful and meaningful addition to your Easter celebrations.
28of 40
Glazed Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Bone In Ham, Whole Cloves, Brown Sugar
No Easter dinner is complete without a delicious glazed ham. This recipe for Glazed Easter Ham is a classic option that never fails to impress. The ham is glazed with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It is then baked until golden brown and served with your choice of sides, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Easter feast.
29of 40
Traditional Easter Dinner
Main Ingredients: Spiral Cut Ham, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Pineapple
If you want to go all out for Easter, why not make a traditional Easter dinner? This recipe includes all the classic dishes, including glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, and more. It's a great option for those who want to stick to traditional dishes and flavors for their Easter feast.
30of 40
Easter Sunshine Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter Cake Mix, Mandarin Oranges, Vegetable Oil, Eggs
Looking for a bright and cheerful dessert for your Easter meal? Look no further than this Easter Sunshine Cake. This recipe features a light and fluffy lemon cake that is topped with a creamy lemon frosting and decorated with colorful Easter candies. It's a fun and festive dessert that is sure to put a smile on everyone's face.
31of 40
Traditional Italian Easter Pie
Main Ingredients: Powdered Sugar, Large Eggs, Pure Vanilla Extract
In Italy, Easter is celebrated with a variety of traditional dishes, including this Traditional Italian Easter Pie. This savory pie is filled with ricotta cheese, eggs, and cured meats, making it a hearty and delicious dish. It is also decorated with a cross on top, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus.
These Easter Resurrection Rolls are a fun and delicious way to teach your kids about the meaning of Easter. In this recipe, marshmallows are wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked. As the marshmallows melt, they create a hollow space in the middle of the roll, symbolizing the empty tomb of Jesus after his resurrection. It's a sweet and meaningful treat to add to your Easter celebration.
33of 40
Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar
Similar to the Ukrainian and Slovak versions, Italian Easter Bread is a traditional bread that is often served during Easter celebrations in Italy. This recipe features a sweet and buttery dough that is shaped into a wreath and decorated with colorful Easter eggs. It's a beautiful and delicious addition to any Easter table.
34of 40
Easter Strawberry Champagne
Main Ingredients: Water, Granulated Sugar, Chopped Strawberries
If you're looking for a refreshing and festive drink to serve at your Easter celebration, try making this Easter Strawberry Champagne. In this recipe, fresh strawberries are muddled and mixed with champagne and a splash of Grand Marnier. It's a sweet and bubbly beverage that is perfect for toasting to the holiday.
35of 40
Easter Dirt Cake
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Soften, Butter, Powdered
For a fun and easy dessert that the whole family will love, try making this Easter Dirt Cake. In this recipe, crushed Oreo cookies are layered with a creamy pudding mixture and topped with colorful Peeps and chocolate eggs. It's a playful and delicious treat that is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
36of 40
Easter Egg - Deviled Egg Chicks
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder
Deviled eggs are a classic Easter appetizer, but why not make them even more festive? These Easter Egg - Deviled Egg Chicks are a cute and creative twist on the traditional dish. Hard-boiled eggs are cut in half and filled with a creamy deviled egg filling, then topped with a carrot beak and olive eyes to create adorable little chicks.
37of 40
Dr. Pepper Glazed Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Bone In Ham, Whole Cloves, Brown Sugar
For a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional glazed ham, try making this Dr. Pepper Glazed Easter Ham. In this recipe, the ham is cooked in a mixture of Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, and spices, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It's a fun and unexpected dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
38of 40
Easy Brown Sugar Honey Glaze for Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Light Brown Sugar, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Unsalted
If you're short on time but still want to make a delicious glazed ham for Easter, try this Easy Brown Sugar Honey Glaze. In this recipe, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices are combined to create a sweet and tangy glaze that can be brushed onto a pre-cooked ham. It's a quick and easy option that still packs a ton of flavor.
If you're a fan of chocolate bark, you'll love this Easter Bark. In this recipe, white chocolate is melted and mixed with pastel-colored M&Ms and Easter sprinkles. The mixture is then spread onto a baking sheet and chilled until it hardens. It's a simple and fun treat that is perfect for Easter snacking.
For a sweet and salty snack that is perfect for Easter movie night, try making this Easter Popcorn. In this recipe, popcorn is coated in a mixture of white chocolate, pastel-colored candy melts, and Easter sprinkles. It's a fun and festive treat that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar
1 cup of milk
½ cup of butter
3 eggs
1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup of raisins
1 egg yolk for egg wash
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add ½ cup of warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and the remaining milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead in the raisins. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another hour.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the paska with the egg yolk wash and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the paska cool before removing it from the pan and serving it. Enjoy with your favorite toppings such as butter, honey, or jam.
Tips:
If you don't have a round cake pan, you can shape the dough into a round loaf and bake it on a lined baking sheet.
If you want a more traditional paska, you can omit the raisins and add ½ cup of candied fruit and ½ cup of chopped almonds to the dough.
To ensure a soft and fluffy texture, make sure your milk is warm, but not hot, when mixing it with the yeast.
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the milk with heavy cream.
Now that you have a delicious and beautiful Easter paska, gather your loved ones and share this traditional treat while celebrating the holiday. Happy Easter!