Russian Easter bread, also known as "kulich," is a traditional sweet bread that is baked and enjoyed during the Easter celebrations in Russia. This rich and flavorful bread is often topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, making it a festive and delicious treat. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step recipe for making your own Russian Easter bread, so you can bring a taste of this cultural tradition into your home.
Russian Easter Bread, also known as kulich, is a traditional sweet bread that is often enjoyed during Easter celebrations in Russia. It is a rich and flavorful bread that is usually made with ingredients such as butter, eggs, milk, and raisins. This bread is often served alongside other traditional Easter dishes, making it an essential part of the holiday.
Kulich is a special type of Russian Easter bread, traditionally baked in a tall cylindrical shape. This shape is said to represent the tomb of Christ, making it a symbolic dish for Easter. The bread is usually decorated with a white icing and colorful sprinkles on top, making it a visually appealing addition to any Easter table.
3of 34
Kulich – Sweet Russian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Agave Nectar, Flour, Eggs
The name "kulich" comes from the Russian word "kulichit," which means "to rise." This is a fitting name for this bread as it often rises to impressive heights, thanks to the use of yeast in the dough. The dough is also enriched with flavors such as vanilla and orange zest, giving the bread a delightful aroma and taste.
4of 34
Russian Easter Bread (Kulich)
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Egg, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Milk
Russian Easter Bread, or kulich, is a beloved and cherished part of the Easter celebrations in Russia. It is often baked at home, with each family having their own unique recipe and variations. This bread is not only delicious, but it also holds a deep cultural and religious significance for the Russian people.
5of 34
Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar
Italian Easter bread, also known as panettone, is a sweet bread that is traditionally enjoyed during Easter in Italy. It is a light and fluffy bread that is often filled with dried fruits such as raisins, candied orange peel, and nuts. This bread is usually served as a dessert or as part of a brunch spread during Easter celebrations.
If you're looking for a simple and easy Easter bread recipe, look no further than this classic recipe. This bread requires minimal ingredients and can be made in just a few simple steps. It is a great option for those who want to make their own Easter bread but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
In Portugal, Easter bread is known as folar and is a staple dish during this holiday. It is a sweet bread that is often filled with hard-boiled eggs and flavored with anise. This bread is thought to have originated from pagan fertility rituals and is now a cherished part of Easter traditions in Portugal.
Easter bread is a generic term used to describe various types of sweet bread that are enjoyed during the Easter holiday. Each culture has its own unique version of this bread, making it a diverse and versatile dish. From sweet loaves decorated with colorful eggs to rich fruit-filled bread, Easter bread is a delightful treat to indulge in during this special time of year.
9of 34
Keto Sweet Bread | Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Almond Flour, Whey, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Baking Powder
For those following a keto diet, traditional Easter bread may not be an option. However, this keto-friendly sweet bread recipe is a great alternative for those looking to indulge in a healthier way. Made with almond flour and sweetened with erythritol, this bread is low-carb and gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Greek Easter bread, also known as tsoureki, is a rich and fragrant bread that is often enjoyed during the Easter holiday in Greece. It is a sweet bread that is flavored with ingredients such as mahleb (a spice made from cherry pits) and mastic (a resin obtained from the mastic tree). This bread is often braided and can be decorated with red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
Easter bread is not only a delicious treat, but it is also a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. In many cultures, this bread is baked in the shape of a cross or other symbolic shapes to represent the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This makes Easter bread an important part of the religious and cultural celebrations of Easter.
12of 34
Ukrainian Babka Bread (Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Fresh Yeast, Active Dry Yeast, Whole Milk, All Purpose
Babka is a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread that is made with a rich dough and often filled with raisins, nuts, and other dried fruits. It is a popular dish during Easter celebrations in Ukraine and is usually served alongside other traditional dishes such as paska (a sweet bread with a cheese filling) and dyed eggs.
Kulich, also known as Russian Easter bread, is a staple dish in many Russian households during Easter. It is a sweet bread that is often flavored with rum or brandy and filled with dried fruits and nuts. This bread is usually baked in a tall cylindrical shape and decorated with a white icing and colorful sprinkles on top.
Kulich Russian Easter bread is a special and beloved dish that is only baked once a year during the Easter holiday. It is a time-honored tradition that is passed down through generations, with each family having their own unique recipe and variations. This bread is not only a delicious treat, but it also holds a deep cultural and religious significance for the Russian people.
15of 34
Portuguese Chocolate Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa
For those with a sweet tooth, this Portuguese chocolate Easter bread is the perfect indulgence. Made with a rich dough and studded with chocolate chips, this bread is a decadent twist on the traditional folar. It is a popular choice for those looking to add a little extra sweetness to their Easter celebrations.
16of 34
Bread Machine Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Eggs, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Bread
If you own a bread machine, this Easter bread recipe is for you. It is a simple and easy recipe that requires minimal effort, making it a great option for those who want to make their own Easter bread without spending too much time in the kitchen. The bread machine does all the work, leaving you with a delicious and fragrant loaf of bread.
17of 34
Easter Bread (Italian Sweet Bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Margarine
This Italian Easter bread recipe is a delightful treat that is perfect for any Easter celebration. It is a sweet and rich bread that is often flavored with anise and filled with dried fruits such as raisins and candied orange peel. It is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to a brunch spread.
The traditional Russian Easter Bread, also known as Kulich, is a sweet and rich bread that is often served during Easter celebrations. This recipe uses a combination of yeast, eggs, butter, and sugar to create a soft and airy bread that is flavored with raisins, candied citrus peel, and almond extract.
This version of Kulich is similar to the traditional recipe, but with the addition of orange zest and cardamom for a unique and delicious flavor. The bread is also topped with a sweet glaze and decorated with colorful sprinkles, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Easter table.
20of 34
Kulich – Sweet Russian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Agave Nectar, Flour, Eggs
If you’re looking for a more indulgent Kulich, this recipe is for you. It uses heavy cream and sour cream to create a rich and moist bread, along with a generous amount of candied fruit, raisins, and almonds. The dough is also flavored with vanilla and lemon zest, giving it a delicious aroma.
21of 34
Russian Easter Bread (Kulich)
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Egg, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Milk
This traditional Kulich recipe is made with a combination of yeast and sourdough starter, giving the bread a slightly tangy flavor. It is also flavored with a variety of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and is topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles.
22of 34
Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar
This Italian version of Easter bread, also known as Pane di Pasqua, is a sweet and buttery bread that is traditionally braided and decorated with colorful eggs. The dough is flavored with anise and orange zest, giving it a unique and delicious taste.
If you’re short on time but still want to make a delicious Easter bread, this recipe is perfect for you. It uses a simple combination of flour, yeast, sugar, and milk to create a soft and fluffy bread that is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
This Portuguese version of Easter bread, also known as Folar de Páscoa, is a sweet and rich bread that is flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. It is usually served with a boiled egg in the center, representing new life and rebirth.
This recipe for Easter bread is a combination of various traditional recipes, resulting in a delicious and unique flavor. The dough is flavored with a variety of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, and is studded with candied fruit, raisins, and almonds.
26of 34
Keto Sweet Bread | Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Almond Flour, Whey, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Baking Powder
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, this recipe for Easter bread is a must-try. It uses almond flour and erythritol instead of traditional flour and sugar, making it a guilt-free option for your holiday celebration.
This Greek version of Easter bread, also known as Tsoureki, is a soft and buttery bread that is flavored with anise and orange zest. It is usually braided and topped with sesame seeds, making it a beautiful and tasty addition to any Easter table.
This version of Easter bread is a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for beginners. It uses a combination of flour, yeast, milk, and eggs to create a soft and fluffy bread that can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite spreads.
29of 34
Ukrainian Babka Bread (Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Fresh Yeast, Active Dry Yeast, Whole Milk, All Purpose
This Ukrainian version of Easter bread, also known as Babka, is a sweet and rich bread that is traditionally made with a combination of yeast and sourdough starter. It is flavored with raisins, walnuts, and a variety of spices, and is often decorated with a cross on top.
This classic recipe for Kulich is a must-try for any Easter celebration. It uses a combination of yeast, butter, eggs, and sugar to create a soft and flavorful bread that is perfect for slicing and serving with your favorite spreads.
If you’re looking for a more unique Kulich recipe, this one is for you. It uses a combination of yeast and baking powder to create a light and airy texture, and is flavored with a variety of spices, including cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves.
32of 34
Portuguese Chocolate Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa
This decadent version of Easter bread is a chocolate lover’s dream. It uses a combination of cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and chocolate chunks to create a rich and indulgent bread that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
33of 34
Bread Machine Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Eggs, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Bread
If you have a bread machine, this recipe for Easter bread is a must-try. It uses a combination of yeast, flour, and sugar to create a soft and fluffy bread that is perfect for slicing and serving with your favorite spreads.
34of 34
Easter Bread (Italian Sweet Bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Margarine
This Italian version of Easter bread is a sweet and flavorful bread that is usually braided and decorated with colorful eggs. It uses a combination of yeast, milk, and sugar to create a soft and airy texture, and is flavored with anise and lemon zest.
With these 17 delicious and unique Kulich recipes, you can elevate your Easter celebration and impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Whether you prefer the traditional version or want to try something new, these recipes will surely be a hit and leave everyone wanting more. Happy Easter and happy baking!
Ingredients
For the bread:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
2 eggs
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup candied orange peel
1/4 cup candied lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring
Sprinkles
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and ground spices.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warmed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead in the raisins, cranberries, almonds, and candied fruit peel.
Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each part into a tall, cylindrical loaf.
Place the loaves in greased baking pans and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
While the loaves are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add food coloring, if desired, for a festive touch.
Once the loaves have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and add sprinkles for decoration.
Serve and enjoy your homemade Russian Easter bread!
This delicious bread is perfect for sharing with friends and family during the Easter holiday. Its rich and sweet flavors, along with its colorful appearance, make it a staple in Russian Easter celebrations. By following this traditional recipe, you can bring a taste of Russian culture into your own home and create a new holiday tradition for your loved ones. Happy baking!