Best 2 Paska Easter Bread Recipes

Paska, also known as Ukrainian Easter Bread, is a traditional Easter bread that holds a significant place in Ukrainian culture and cuisine. This sweet and flavorful bread is typically prepared and enjoyed during the Easter holiday. It is characterized by its tall, cylindrical shape, rich dough, and intricate decoration on top. Our article offers three fantastic recipes for Paska, each with its own unique twist. The first recipe introduces the classic Paska with a step-by-step guide to create a traditional and authentic version of this beloved bread. The second recipe presents a vegan Paska, catering to those with dietary preferences or allergies. It showcases how to make a delicious and satisfying Paska without using any animal-based products. Lastly, the third recipe features a chocolate Paska, combining the traditional flavors of Paska with the indulgence of chocolate. This creative recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet treat with a hint of cocoa. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, our article ensures that you can successfully bake and enjoy these delightful Paska recipes, whether you prefer the classic, vegan, or chocolate variation.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PASKA EASTER BREAD

Paska Easter Bread image

Paska is a traditional Easter bread prepared with lots of eggs, making it much richer than ordinary sweet breads. The beautifully braided top will earn you many compliments.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 loaves (12 pieces each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided
4 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
13-1/2 to 14-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
6 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon salt
EGG GLAZE:
1 egg
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 cup warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add remaining water. Beat in the milk powder and 5 cups flour until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Add eggs, butter, salt and remaining sugar; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half and set 1 portion aside. Divide remaining portion in half; press each portion into a well-greased 10-in. springform pan. Divide reserved dough into 6 balls. Shape each ball into a 30-in. rope; make 2 braids of 3 ropes each. Place a braid around the edge of each pan, forming a circle. Trim ends of braids, reserving dough scraps. Pinch ends of braids to seal. Shape scraps into 2 long thin ropes; form into rosettes or crosses. Place 1 decoration on the center of each loaf. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. , In a small bowl, beat egg and water; brush over dough. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 73mg cholesterol, Sodium 380mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

UKRAINIAN EASTER BREAD (PASKA)

Ukrainian Easter Bread (Paska) image

Make and share this Ukrainian Easter Bread (Paska) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Olha7397

Categories Yeast Breads

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast, 1 pkg
3 -3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs
5 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 grated lemon, zest of
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup golden raisin

Steps:

In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the milk and 1 tablespoon of the sugar until very warm (120 to 130 F). Pour into a large mixing bowl, and sprinkle over the yeast. Allow to stand until foamy, about 15 minutes.
Sift 1 cup of the flour over the yeast mixture and with a wooden spoon, stir until a batter forms. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and leave in a warm place (80 F to 85 F) until mixture looks puffy and spongy, about 1/2 hour.
In another bowl or a 4 cup measure whisk the eggs and egg yolks together with the vanilla extract, grated lemon zest, and salt.
Sift another 2 cups of flour over the risen yeast flour mixture, and make a well in the center. Pour in the egg mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes a soft, sticky dough; the dough should be as soft as possible, so do not add more flour unless it is very wet.
Using your hand, spread the butter over the dough and work into the dough, folding it over itself and kneading into the dough until the butter is completely incorporated. Cover with the dish towel and leave to rise again in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 3 hours.
Butter a 2 pound coffee can. Line the bottom with nonstick baking parchment, and butter again.
Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the raisins, golden raisins over the dough, and knead until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form the dough into a ball shape, and ease into the coffee can. Cover and leave to rise again until the dough reaches the top of the can, about 1 1/2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 400°F Brush the top of the dough with a little milk and if you like sprinkle with about a tablespoon of sugar. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake about 1/2 hour longer; if the paska browns too quickly, cover with foil. Remove to a wire rack to cool in the can for about 5 minutes, then carefully unmold, top side up, to cool completely. Makes 1 loaf.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Be sure to proof the yeast before using it. This will help to ensure that the bread rises properly.
Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to develop the gluten in the flour and give the bread a chewy texture.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will help to ensure that the bread is light and airy.
Bake the bread in a preheated oven until it is golden brown. This will help to give the bread a crispy crust and a tender interior.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving. This will help to prevent the bread from crumbling.

Conclusion:

Paska is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for Easter brunch or dinner. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make this bread at home. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure that your bread turns out perfect.