15+ Recipe For Ukrainian Easter Bread Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
In addition to its delicious taste and rich cultural significance, Ukrainian Easter bread, also known as paska, is a staple in the Easter festivities of many Eastern European households. This sweet, yeasty bread is traditionally made in the shape of a round loaf with a cross on top, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the recipe may differ slightly from household to household, the essence of this beloved Easter treat remains the same. Here is an easy-to-follow, professional recipe for Ukrainian Easter bread that will surely become a new family favorite.
One of the most popular dishes during Easter celebrations in Ukraine is Paska, also known as Ukrainian Easter bread. This sweet and fluffy bread is made with eggs, butter, and milk, and is often decorated with religious symbols. It's a perfect accompaniment to a beer can chicken dinner.
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Paska (Ukrainian Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Milk, Yeast, Egg Yolks, Butter
Similar to the previous recipe, this Paska recipe is a traditional one passed down through generations in Ukrainian families. It's a bit more labor-intensive, but the end result is worth it. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a truly authentic Easter feast.
Babka is another popular Ukrainian Easter bread, but it's slightly different from Paska. This bread is made with raisins and can be shaped into a round loaf or a braided shape. It's a great option for those who prefer a sweeter bread with their beer can chicken.
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Ukrainian Babka Bread (Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Fresh Yeast, Active Dry Yeast, Whole Milk, All Purpose
This recipe is a great option for those who want to try their hand at making a Ukrainian Easter bread but don't have a lot of time. It's a simplified version of Babka, but still just as delicious. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a tasty and traditional meal.
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Easter Bread, or Ukrainian Babka
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Sugar, Yeast, Butter, Milk, Cold Water
Easter bread is not just a tradition in Ukraine, but in many other countries as well. This Italian Easter bread recipe is a sweet and citrusy bread that is perfect for pairing with a savory beer can chicken. It's also a great option for those who want to incorporate some Italian flavors into their meal.
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Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar
If you're not a fan of raisins or other add-ins, this simple Easter bread recipe is the one for you. It's a basic bread that is perfect for dipping into your beer can chicken juices. Plus, it's easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.
This recipe is a twist on traditional Easter bread, incorporating flavors like vanilla and lemon for a unique and tasty bread. It's also a great option for those who want to try something different with their beer can chicken.
Portuguese Easter bread, also known as Folar de Páscoa, is a sweet and buttery bread that is typically served during Easter celebrations. It's a great accompaniment to your beer can chicken, adding a different flavor profile to your meal.
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the Easter bread tradition. This keto-friendly recipe uses almond flour and erythritol to create a sweet and fluffy bread that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Keto Sweet Bread | Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Almond Flour, Whey, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Baking Powder
Tsoureki is a traditional Greek Easter bread that is made with a variety of flavors, including orange, anise, and mahlepi (a spice made from ground cherry pits). It's a unique and delicious bread that is a great accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
This recipe is a classic Easter bread that is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. It's made with eggs, milk, and butter, and can be shaped into a round loaf or braided shape. Add some herbs or spices for an extra kick of flavor.
This savory bread is a popular side dish in Ukraine and is often served alongside Paska or Babka during Easter. It's a simple recipe that adds a delicious garlic flavor to your meal. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a tasty combination of flavors.
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Pampushky – Ukrainian garlic bread
Main Ingredients: Fresh Yeast, Water, Milk, Sugar, Eggs, Butter, Salt
Kulich is a traditional Russian Easter bread that is similar to Paska and Babka. It's a sweet and dense bread that is typically decorated with religious symbols. It's a great option for those who prefer a denser bread with their beer can chicken.
If you have a bread maker, this recipe is a must-try. It simplifies the process of making Paska, and the end result is just as delicious. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a convenient and tasty Easter dinner.
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Bread Maker Paska (Ukrainian Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Water, Powdered Milk, White Sugar, Vegetable Oil
This recipe takes traditional Portuguese Easter bread and adds a delicious chocolate twist. The result is a sweet and decadent bread that is perfect for pairing with your savory beer can chicken. It's a great option for those with a sweet tooth.
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Portuguese Chocolate Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa
If you have a bread machine, this recipe is a great option for making Easter bread. It's simple and easy, and the end result is a delicious and fluffy bread that is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. Add your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor.
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Bread Machine Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Eggs, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Bread
This Italian Easter bread is a bit different from the previous recipe, incorporating flavors like anise and orange zest. The result is a sweet and aromatic bread that is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken.
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Easter Bread (Italian Sweet Bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Margarine
For those following a keto diet, this recipe is a great option for enjoying Easter bread without the carbs. It uses almond flour and coconut flour to create a bread that is low in carbs but still full of flavor. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The Importance of Easter Bread in Ukrainian Culture
The Symbolism of the Cross
One of the key symbols of Easter bread is the cross on top of the loaf. This symbol represents the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, making the bread not only a delicious treat but also a meaningful representation of the holiday's religious significance. The cross is traditionally made by scoring the dough before baking, creating a beautiful and unique pattern on each loaf.
A Blessing for the Home
In Ukrainian culture, Easter bread is also believed to bring blessings to the home. It is customary for families to take their Easter bread to church to be blessed by the priest before sharing it with their loved ones. The blessed bread is then kept in the home throughout the year, providing protection and prosperity to the household.
A Celebration of Spring
Easter falls in the spring season, and Ukrainian Easter bread is a celebration of this new beginning. The bread is made with ingredients such as eggs, which symbolize new life, and raisins, which represent the sun and its life-giving warmth. The rich, sweet flavors of the bread also evoke the joy and abundance of the spring season.
The Recipe for Ukrainian Easter Bread
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of the sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Add the yeast mixture to the dough and mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface, then place it in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score a cross on top of the loaf.
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Brush the egg wash over the top of the loaf and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
Enjoy and Share the Tradition
Now that you have the recipe for Ukrainian Easter bread, it's time to start your own tradition and share this delicious bread with your family and friends. Whether you follow this recipe or add your own special touch, the symbolism and significance of this bread will surely make it a cherished part of your Easter celebrations. So gather your loved ones, bless your home, and enjoy this delectable treat together.
