Russian Easter Bread (Kulich)
Fill your home with the heavenly aroma of warm, buttery bread this Easter with a traditional Russian Easter Bread, also known as Kulich. This rich and flavorful sweet bread decorated with sprinkles, raisins, or citrus peels is a centerpiece of the Russian Orthodox Easter celebration.
Servings: 12 mini, or 2 coffee can size
Calories: 344kcal
Equipment
- Easter Decorated Paper Kulich or Paska molds 3.5 x 3.5 inches, 8 oz
- Brown Paper Kulich or Paska molds 3.5 x 3.5 inches, 8 oz
- Tall Springform cake pan set 4", 4.7", 5.7", 6.7" Diameter and 4" to 5.1" Tall
Ingredients
For Kulich Dough
- 1 cup Warm milk 105°F
- 4½ teaspoon Active dry yeast or 2 envelopes
- 1 teaspoon Sugar to proof the yeast
- 4 cup Bread flour plus more for kneading
- ¾ cup Granulated sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 Egg yolks
- 2 teaspoon Lemon zest or orange zest
- ½ tbs Brandy optional
- 10 tbs Butter melted and cooled
- ¼ cup Raisins optional
- ¼ cup Almonds slivered, optional
For The Icing
- 2 cup Powdered sugar for icing
- 1 tablespoon Water
- 2 tablespoon Sprinkles or candied fruit for decoration
Instructions
Make The Mini Kulich
- In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.1 cup Warm milk, 4½ teaspoon Active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon Sugar
- Whisk in 4 cups of flour, eggs, egg yolks, brandy, lemon zest, and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.4 cup Bread flour, ¾ cup Granulated sugar, 3 large Eggs, 2 Egg yolks, ½ tbs Brandy, 10 tbs Butter, 2 teaspoon Lemon zest
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 10 minutes, incorporating the remaining flour gradually until the dough is smooth and elastic. Fold in the raisins and slivered almonds if using.¼ cup Raisins, ¼ cup Almonds
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Spray the tall mini Kulich paper forms with non-stick spray and set them on a large baking sheet. Divide the dough evenly between the prepared forms. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.PRO TIP: You can make larger kulich with two small coffee cans.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while the bread is rising. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set on a wire rack to cool.PRO TIP: Lay aluminum foil on top during the last 15 minutes if the kulich are browning too dark.
Ice and Decorate
- While the Kulich cools, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with a little water until a thick consistency that can be piped is reached.
- Drizzle with icing and decorate with sprinkles or candied fruit, if desired.2 cup Powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon Water, 2 tablespoon Sprinkles
Notes
- You can substitute the brandy it with another flavored alcohol like rum or orange liqueur, or simply omit it altogether.
- Use room temperature ingredients, it helps the dough come together smoothly.
- You can replace the raisins with slivered almonds, chopped dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or cherries, or chopped nuts.
- Spray the inside of the kulich molds to prevents sticking.
- Cool the Kulich completely before decorating: This allows the glaze to set properly.
Nutrition
Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 104mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 436IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
