Making Hungarian Easter Kalács | Bread Around the World | Ep 6

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness and flavor.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: chocolate chips

Cranberries offer a tart twist.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is a lactose-free alternative.

Heat 240 grams of whole milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius).

Mix in 6 grams of active dry yeast and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

In a stand mixer bowl, add 500 grams of bread flour and 75 grams of sugar, then mix with a whisk.

Add 1 whole egg and the yeasty milk to the flour mixture, scraping down the sides as needed.

Mix on low until incorporated, then increase to medium low and mix until smooth for about 5 minutes.

Knead the dough on an unfloured surface for about 2 minutes until smooth, then form it into a ball.

Grease a large bowl with cooking spray, place the dough ball inside, cover with a warm damp towel, and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.

After 1 hour, punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces.

For each piece, pinch the ends together, flip it upside down, and roll it into a ball using the palm of your hand.

Cover the dough balls with the damp towel and let them rest for about 20 minutes.

Elongate each ball into a log about 18 inches (45 centimeters) long, applying constant pressure while rolling.

Pinch together all 6 logs at one end and braid them by alternating the outer logs to the center, following a specific pattern.

Once braided, press the ends together and tuck them under the loaf.

Transfer the braided loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Mix 1 whole egg with 5 grams of water for the egg wash and brush it over the top of the loaf.

Cover the loaf with a warm damp towel and let it rise for another hour.

After 1 hour, cover the loaf with egg wash again and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Preheat a small pan on the bottom rack of the oven.

Add about 10 ice cubes to the bottom pan for steam when baking.

Bake the loaf for about 40 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens