Golden Easter Bread (Paska)

Golden Easter Bread (Paska)

• 12g yeast

• 150g sugar

• 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 10g vanilla sugar

• 6 eggs yolk

• 200ml warm milk

• 100g melted butter

• 50g raisins

• 1 orange zest

• 500g flour

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast (The Sponge)

In a small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast into the warm milk. Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar and 2 tablespoons of the flour (taken from the total amount). Stir and let it sit in a warm place for about 15–20 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy.

2. Cream the Yolks

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 6 egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale and slightly fluffy.

3. Mix the Dough

• Pour the activated yeast mixture into the yolk mixture.

• Gradually add the sifted flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or a dough hook.

• Once the flour is mostly incorporated, pour in the melted butter (ensure it’s not hot, just warm).

• Knead the dough for about 10–15 minutes. It will be sticky at first, but keep kneading until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Add Flavors & First Rise

Fold in the raisins and orange zest. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shaping and Second Rise

• Punch the dough down gently. Divide it into portions and place them into greased baking molds (fill them only 1/3 of the way up).

• Let them rise again in the molds for another 45–60 minutes until they reach near the top.

6. Baking

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Bake for 30–45 minutes, depending on the size of your molds. If the tops brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.