Traditional Ukrainian Easter Bread | Paska | Kulich Bread | with Royal Icing | Кулич Пасхальный

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness and flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is dairy-free and lowers calories.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: chopped dates

Cranberries add tartness and color.

Heat milk to between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pour milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of active yeast over the top; let sit for 5 minutes.

Add 3/4 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup sour cream, 2 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 1 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture; whisk until smooth.

Add approximately 2 cups of flour to the mixture and whisk until smooth.

Place the bowl over a pot filled with hot water (not boiling) and cover with a napkin; let proof for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Prepare 1 cup of dried fruit by soaking 1/2 cup diced dried apricots and 1/2 cup dried cranberries in warm water.

After proofing, add remaining flour gradually, mixing with a spatula until a dough forms.

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Drain excess water from the soaked dried fruit and knead into the dough for about 1 minute.

Divide the dough into three equal pieces and shape into smooth balls.

Place dough into Russian paper molds and let proof in the oven with boiling water for 1.5-2 hours until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for approximately 45 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare royal icing by mixing 3 large egg whites with 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, adding more sugar until thick.

Once bread cools, remove from molds and glaze with icing, then sprinkle with colorful confetti.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens