If you’re looking for a unique and delicious Easter bread recipe to try, look no further than Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread! This traditional bread is a staple in Ukrainian households during the Easter season, and it’s not hard to see why. With its soft and fluffy texture and sweet, aromatic flavor, Babka is loved by all who try it. In this article, we’ll give you two different Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread recipes to choose from, along with all the information you need to make this recipe a success.
Recipe 1: Classic Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, and yeast. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, heat the milk until it’s warm. Add the melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining flour, raisins, and almonds to the bowl and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch bundt pan with butter.
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to the bundt pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 290
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 7g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Bundt pan
Serving Suggestions:
Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread is delicious on its own or served with butter and jam. It’s also great toasted and topped with cream cheese.
Variations:
- Replace the raisins and almonds with chocolate chips for a sweeter version of Babka
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced Babka
- Replace the lemon zest with orange zest for a citrusy twist
Substitutions:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a denser bread
- Replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
- Replace the almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans
Storage:
Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place is important for the bread to rise properly. If your house is cool, consider using your oven’s warming drawer or a warm, sunny spot in your kitchen.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread without raisins and almonds?
A: Yes, you can omit the raisins and almonds or replace them with other dried fruit and nuts of your choice.
Q: Can I make Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, and yeast. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, heat the milk until it’s warm. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining flour and chocolate chips to the bowl and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch loaf pan with butter.
- Punch down the dough and transfer it to the loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Loaf pan
Serving Suggestions:
Chocolate Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Variations:
- Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or chopped nuts
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced chocolate Babka
- Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor
Substitutions:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a denser bread
- Replace the chocolate chips with dried cherries or cranberries
- Replace the butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version
Storage:
Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips: