Description

Paska is a traditional Eastern European sweet bread, typically enjoyed during festive occasions. This soft and fluffy bread is often flavored with vanilla and enriched with eggs and butter, making it a delightful treat to accompany any meal or celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

½ cup sugar

3 large eggs

½ cup unsalted butter

melted

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour

1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir until mixed.
Gradually add 4 cups of flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time, until it’s manageable.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
Mix the egg yolk and water together, and brush the mixture over the top of the loaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Notes

For an extra touch, consider adding dried fruits or citrus zest to the dough before baking. This bread can be enjoyed fresh or toasted.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 30
Category: Dessert
Method: baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 230 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 170 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Paska, sweet bread, traditional recipe, Eastern European bread, festive bread