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7 Simple Steps to Make Traditional Paska Bread

7 Simple Steps to Make Traditional Paska Bread
Paska Receipe

Easter is a time of celebration, renewal, and of course, delightful traditions. Among these is the joy of baking, particularly the rich, sweet bread known as Paska. This traditional Eastern European bread, with its roots in Slavic and Baltic cultures, is a symbol of the holiday, often blessed at Easter Sunday church services. Here are the 7 simple steps to make Paska Bread at home, ensuring a sweet finish to your Easter festivities.

Ingredients for Paska Bread

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Paska Bread Ingredients
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 14 cup sugar
  • 2 14 tsp active dry yeast
  • 12 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 12 tsp salt
  • 14 cup raisins (optional)

Preparing the Yeast Mixture

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  1. In a bowl, combine the warm milk, a tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes or until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

Mixing the Dough

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Mixing the Dough for Paska Bread
  1. After the yeast mixture is ready, add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and half of the flour. Mix until smooth.
  2. Add the remaining flour little by little until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  3. If you’re using raisins, now’s the time to add them in, kneading to distribute evenly.

First Rise

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  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping the Bread

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Shaping Paska Bread
  1. Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Then divide it into two parts. One part will be for the main bread, and the other for decorative elements.
  2. Shape the larger part into a round loaf and place it into a greased round pan or basket. From the second part, form decorative shapes like crosses, braids, or even Easter eggs to place on top.

Second Rise

Paska Easter Bread Recipe
  1. Allow the shaped bread to rise again, covered, until it has increased in size, about 30-45 minutes.

Baking Your Paska

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Paska Bread Baking in Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the bread with egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of water) for a nice golden finish.
  2. Bake the bread for about 30-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.

Your homemade Paska Bread, with its rich aroma, tender crumb, and subtle sweetness, is now ready to grace your Easter table. This bread not only serves as a delicious treat but also carries with it centuries of tradition and symbolism, marking the resurrection and the renewal of life.





What is the significance of Paska bread?

How To Make Traditional Ukrainian Easter Paska Bread Step By Step

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Paska bread symbolizes Christ’s resurrection in Eastern European Christian traditions. Its round shape represents the crown of thorns, and it’s often decorated with symbolic items like crosses or eggs.






Can I make Paska without raisins?

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Absolutely, raisins are optional. You can substitute with other dried fruits or simply omit them for a plain, yet delicious, Paska bread.






How should I store Paska?

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Store it at room temperature in an airtight container. It will keep for about a week, or freeze for longer storage.

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