Introduction
Easter is a joyous time of the year, and nothing screams celebration more than a slice of freshly baked Russian Easter Bread. This sweet, pillowy bread is a staple in many households during the Easter season. Filled with raisins, nuts, and candied fruit, this bread is a treat for the senses. In this article, we will explore two different recipes for Russian Easter Bread that are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Recipe One: Traditional Russian Easter Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, lukewarm
- 2 packets active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 eggs + 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup candied fruit
- 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Add the sugar, melted butter, 3 eggs, salt, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add the raisins, walnuts, and candied fruit to the bowl and mix again.
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture, one cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long strip, about 16 inches long.
- Braid the strips together to form a loaf.
- Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Beat the remaining egg yolk and brush it over the loaf.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 305
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 7g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30-35 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Serving Suggestions
Russian Easter Bread is traditionally served as a dessert or snack during the Easter season. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a generous spreading of butter. For an extra indulgent treat, try toasting a slice and serving it with a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding different types of dried fruit, such as cranberries or apricots. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or almonds.
Substitutions
If you don’t have candied fruit on hand, you can substitute it with dried fruit that has been soaked in warm water for a few minutes. You can also use vegetable oil instead of butter.
Storage
Store Russian Easter Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months.
Tips
When kneading the dough, be sure to add the flour gradually to achieve the right consistency. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour until it is no longer sticky. If it is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. However, you will need to use slightly less – about 1 and 3/4 packets instead of 2. Q: Can I make Russian Easter Bread without raisins or nuts?
A: Yes, you can omit the raisins and nuts, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour to achieve the right consistency.
Recipe Two: Quick and Easy Russian Easter Bread
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Add the raisins and walnuts to the bowl and mix again.
- Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 50-60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bundt pan
Serving Suggestions
This quick and easy Russian Easter Bread is perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Variations
For a chocolatey twist, try using a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. You can also add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter.
Substitutions
If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can use a white cake mix instead. You can also substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter.
Storage
Store Russian Easter Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months.
Tips
Be sure to mix the batter well to ensure that the pudding mix is fully incorporated. You can also try adding different types of nuts or dried fruit to the batter for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe without a bundt pan?
A: Yes, you can use a regular cake pan or loaf pan instead. Adjust the baking time accordingly. Q: Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix, such as chocolate or butterscotch.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to make the traditional recipe or the quick and easy version, Russian Easter Bread is a delicious treat that is perfect for celebrating the Easter season. With its sweet, fruity flavors and soft, pillowy texture, it is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So why not give one of these recipes a try and see for yourself why Russian Easter Bread is a beloved tradition for so many?