Russian Easter Bread Kulich: Two Delicious Recipes To Try

Are you looking for a sweet and festive bread to celebrate Easter? Look no further than Russian Easter Bread, or Kulich. This bread is traditionally baked in tall, cylindrical molds and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. It’s a delicious and fun way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

Recipe 1: Classic Russian Easter Bread Kulich

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cardamom, and yeast. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Add the butter to the dough and knead until smooth and elastic.
5. Add the raisins, orange peel, and almonds to the dough and knead until well incorporated.
6. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 2 tall, cylindrical molds with butter.
8. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and shape each portion into a cylinder that fits the molds.
9. Place the dough in the molds and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake the kulich for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the kulich from the molds and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Decorate the kulich with icing and sprinkles, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 19g

Cooking Time:

2 hours and 40 minutes (including rising time) + 40-50 minutes baking time

Equipment:

• 2 tall, cylindrical molds
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Kneading surface
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the kulich as a sweet and festive bread for Easter brunch or dessert. It’s delicious on its own or toasted with butter and jam.

Variations:

Try adding different dried fruits, nuts, or spices to the dough for a different flavor. You can also experiment with different icing flavors and decorations.

Substitutions:

You can use different types of flour, milk, and butter in this recipe, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. You can also use different types of dried fruit and nuts, or omit them altogether.

Storage:

Store the kulich in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the kulich for up to 3 months.

Tips:

• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
• Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for the best texture.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place for optimum rising.
• Grease the molds well to prevent sticking.
• Decorate the kulich with icing and sprinkles after it has cooled completely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the history of kulich?

Kulich is a traditional Russian Easter bread that dates back to the 17th century. It is typically baked in tall, cylindrical molds and decorated with icing and sprinkles. The bread symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and the end of the Lenten fast.

What is the difference between kulich and panettone?

Kulich and panettone are both sweet, yeasted breads that are typically baked in tall, cylindrical molds. However, kulich is a traditional Russian Easter bread that is flavored with cardamom and decorated with icing and sprinkles, while panettone is an Italian Christmas bread that is flavored with citrus and raisins.

Can I make kulich without a mold?

You can make kulich without a mold by shaping the dough into a round loaf and baking it on a baking sheet. However, the traditional shape of kulich is tall and cylindrical.

Recipe 2: Chocolate Russian Easter Bread Kulich

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and yeast. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Add the butter to the dough and knead until smooth and elastic.
5. Add the raisins, chocolate chips, and almonds to the dough and knead until well incorporated.
6. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 2 tall, cylindrical molds with butter.
8. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and shape each portion into a cylinder that fits the molds.
9. Place the dough in the molds and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake the kulich for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the kulich from the molds and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Decorate the kulich with icing and sprinkles, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 22g

Cooking Time:

2 hours and 40 minutes (including rising time) + 40-50 minutes baking time

Equipment:

• 2 tall, cylindrical molds
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Kneading surface
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the chocolate kulich as a sweet and indulgent bread for