Braided Easter Bread Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
Braided Easter Bread Recipe
Description
The Braided Easter Bread is made from a yeast dough that uses instant yeast, sugar, warm milk, butter, and eggs, resulting in a soft and enriched texture. After the dough rises, it is rolled out and spread with a creamy filling of farmer cheese, sugar, egg yolk, chopped dried apricots, and fresh orange zest, adding sweetness and citrus notes. The bread is braided, which creates an attractive pattern and a tender, layered structure once baked. The use of an egg wash gives the crust a shiny, golden appearance. This bread is well-suited for Easter festivities or as a sweet bread for breakfast or brunch.
The balance of the slightly tangy farmer cheese with the sugary and fruity components highlights traditional flavors often enjoyed at Easter. The softened dough and carefully made filling come together to create a bread that is both comforting and visually appealing.
Ingredients
For the Paska Easter Bread Dough:
- 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast (4 grams)
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar (plus 1 tsp)
- 1/2 cup milk warm
- 3 Tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 egg
- 1/8 tsp salt sea salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour *measured correctly
For the Farmer Cheese (Tvorog) Filling:
- 8 1/2 oz farmers cheese (1 3/4 cups packed)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dried apricot chopped
- 2 tsp orange zest from 1 medium orange
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- In a measuring cup, Combine 1/2 cup warm milk (not hot),1 tsp sugar and 1 1/2 tsp yeast. Stir to combine and let sit 10 min to proof.
- In a small bowl, add 1 egg, remaining 3 Tbsp sugar, 1/8 tsp salt and whisk together. Whisk in warm melted butter (NOT HOT). Lastly whisk in proofed yeast mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, add 2 1/4 cups flour then add wet ingredients. Combine dough with a spatula then knead by hand 10 min. Dough will be soft and not sticking to your hands. Form dough into a ball then cover bowl with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, make cheese filling: In a medium bowl crumble farmers cheese with a fork. Add 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg yolk. Use spatula to blend until combined and somewhat creamy. Add diced apricots and 2 tsp orange zest.
- Once dough has risen, punch it down and transfer to lightly floured surface. Roll dough into 12"x9" rectangle, between 1/8" and 1/4" thick. Add cheese filling and spread evenly leaving a 1/2" border at the edges.
- Roll dough into a log starting from the long end and pinch edges to seal. Cut the roll in half to split into 2 strands, keeping them attached at one end. Overlap the 2 strands starting at the connected end and weaving them together towards the ends. Pinch the ends to seal. Carefully transfer braid cut-side up to a greased loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise/puff up at room temperature 30-45 min. Beat 1 egg with 1 tsp water and generously brush egg wash over risen loaf.
- Bake in center of oven at 350˚F for 35 to 40 min, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let rest 5 minutes in pan then transfer to wire rack. Dust warm bread with powdered sugar. Once cooled to room temperature, slice and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 300 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 300kcal | 15% |
| Carbs | 43g | |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 87mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 183mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 175mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 535IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.1mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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