As Easter approaches, families around the world begin to prepare for the celebration of new beginnings, resurrection, and renewal. An integral part of this tradition involves baking unique, often symbolic, Easter breads. These traditional recipes not only fill the air with delightful aromas but also bring families together in the spirit of festivity. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, here are 5 traditional Easter bread recipes you must try this Easter.
Gubana
Gubana is a rich, yeast-raised sweet bread filled with a decadent blend of nuts, raisins, and sugar from Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Its unique spiral shape is said to resemble the winding mountain roads of this picturesque area.
- Dough: Mix 500g of flour, 25g of sugar, a teaspoon of salt, 20g of fresh yeast, 100g of warm milk, and 2 eggs. Incorporate 70g of butter slowly, kneading until smooth.
- Filling: Combine 250g walnuts, 100g raisins (soaked in grappa or rum), zest of one lemon, and 50g sugar. Optionally, add a touch of cinnamon.
- Assembly: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, roll it up, then coil it into a snail shape.
- Baking: Allow the dough to rise for 1-2 hours, brush with egg wash, and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 45-50 minutes.
🍞 Note: Gubana can be served warm or at room temperature, often dusted with icing sugar for an extra touch.
Paska
Paska is a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, decorated elaborately to symbolize life and renewal. Here's how to make it:
- Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 1 liter milk, 100g butter, 30g fresh yeast, 6 eggs, sugar to taste, salt, raisins, vanilla sugar.
- Preparation: Combine yeast with warm milk, add flour to make a dough, knead, let rise, then incorporate eggs, sugar, butter, and other ingredients. Mix in raisins last.
- Shaping: Shape into a cylinder with a domed top or use a Paska mold.
- Baking: Let rise again, then bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 40 minutes.
Don't forget to adorn your Paska with traditional symbols made from dough or egg wash before baking.
Tsoureki
Tsoureki, Greece's Easter bread, is known for its vibrant red egg and sweet, aromatic dough. Follow these steps:
- Dough: Combine 500g flour, 7g dry yeast, sugar, warm milk, butter, 3 eggs, mahlepi, mastic, orange zest, and knead well.
- Shaping: Divide into 3 pieces, roll each into long strands, braid, and place a dyed red egg in the center of each loaf.
- Baking: After rising, bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 30 minutes or until golden.
Tsoureki's distinct flavors come from the use of mahlepi and mastic, giving it a unique taste.
Mona de Pascua
Mona de Pascua, originating from Spain, is typically decorated with hard-boiled eggs:
- Dough: Use a sweet brioche dough, enriched with butter, eggs, sugar, and citrus zest.
- Egg Decoration: Embed whole hard-boiled eggs into the dough before baking.
- Baking: Bake until golden brown, then decorate with icing or chocolate.
📝 Note: The eggs are purely decorative and can be removed or eaten separately.
Hot Cross Buns
The epitome of Easter baking, Hot Cross Buns are traditional in the UK:
- Ingredients: Flour, yeast, milk, sugar, mixed spices, dried fruits, butter, eggs, and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Dough: Mix and knead the dough, add fruits after the first rise.
- Shaping: Form into small buns, cut crosses on top.
- Decoration: Brush with egg wash before baking, add a cross with a flour paste or after baking with icing.
- Baking: Bake at 220°C (430°F) for about 15-20 minutes.
Hot Cross Buns are not just tasty, they're a symbol of the Christian faith, with the cross marking the crucifixion.
Incorporating these traditional Easter bread recipes into your festivities brings not just the joy of baking but also the rich culture and history associated with each bread. Each loaf tells a story of heritage, resilience, and communal celebration. As we gather this Easter, let the aroma of freshly baked bread fill your homes, symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the joy of coming together. The time spent baking is as much a celebration as the taste of the bread itself, making these recipes not just food for the body but for the soul as well.
Can I substitute any ingredients in these recipes?
+
Yes, you can! For instance, if you can’t find mahlépi for Tsoureki, you can use a combination of ground fennel seeds and cardamom. However, for traditional authenticity, sticking to the original ingredients when possible is ideal.
How can I store Easter breads to keep them fresh?
+
Most Easter breads can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze, up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
What makes these Easter breads special?
+
Each bread has historical and cultural significance. They are baked with unique ingredients and shaped in ways that reflect traditions and religious symbolism, making them more than just food but part of Easter’s heritage.
