Paska Bread

Paska (paskha) is an Eastern European egg bread traditionally made at Easter. It is wonderfully light, with a slightly sweet flavor. Serve with butter or a sweet cheese spread.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 600 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 12 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups warm milk

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Proof the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl until slightly frothy.

Step 3

In the meantime, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in the warm milk; allow to cool to lukewarm. Once cooled, add the milk mixture to the yeast mixture along with 4 cups of flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Cover and put in a dark, warm place until the mixture is bubbly and doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Step 4

Stir in the beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup butter, salt, and lemon peel. Stir well to blend. Begin adding the remaining flour a cup at a time to form a very soft dough.

Step 5

Knead the dough on a floured board until soft and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours. Punch dough down, and allow to rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Divide dough into three parts (see Cook's Note). Shape into slightly rounded loaves, and place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water; brush onto loaves.

Step 7

Bake in preheated oven until loaves are deep brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Once they are done, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust.