Introduction
Easter is a time of celebration, and one of the best ways to celebrate is with delicious food. In Poland, Easter is traditionally celebrated with a special bread called “babka wielkanocna.” This bread is rich, sweet, and loaded with raisins and other tasty ingredients. In this article, we’ll provide you with two recipes for Easter bread that you can make at home. Whether you’re Polish or simply looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to please.
Recipe 1: Traditional Polish Babka Wielkanocna
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Add in the flour, butter, eggs, raisins, almonds, salt, vanilla extract, and remaining sugar. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a greased 9-inch cake pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water. Brush it over the top of the loaf.
- Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 289
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 82mg
Sodium: 115mg
Potassium: 161mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 7g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
9-inch cake pan
Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Slice the bread and serve it with butter or jam. It’s also delicious toasted and topped with honey or Nutella.
Variations
You can add other ingredients to the bread, such as candied orange peel, lemon zest, or chocolate chips. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped apricots.
Substitutions
If you don’t have almonds, you can use other nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour with bread flour or whole wheat flour.
Storage
The bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure the milk is warm, but not too hot or it will kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as near a window or in an oven with the light on.
- Brushing the egg yolk mixture over the top of the bread will give it a shiny, golden brown crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread in advance?
Yes, you can make the bread a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. It will still be delicious.
Can I use a bread machine to make this bread?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Then, shape it and bake it in the oven.
Recipe 2: Polish Mazurek
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jam (strawberry or raspberry)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and milk and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 2 minutes.
- Press the dough into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Spread the jam over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the nuts and dried fruit over the jam.
- Bake the mazurek for 25-30 minutes or until it’s golden brown.
- Remove the mazurek from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 360
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 180mg
Potassium: 135mg
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 26g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
9-inch square baking pan
Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Slice the mazurek into squares and serve it with coffee or tea. It’s also delicious as a dessert with whipped cream or ice cream.
Variations
You can use different types of jam, nuts, and dried fruit to customize the mazurek to your liking. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for extra sweetness.
Substitutions
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and omit the salt in the recipe. You can also substitute the milk with almond milk or soy milk.
Storage
The mazurek can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.
Tips
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar.
- Press the dough firmly into the baking pan to create an even layer.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the mazurek into squares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit like chopped strawberries or raspberries. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding it to the mazurek.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten