Czech Sweet Easter Bread (Mazanec)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
3 hrs 35 mins
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Servings
1 loaf
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Calories
2950 kcal
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Cuisine
Czech
Czech Sweet Easter Bread (Mazanec)
Description
This Czech Sweet Easter Bread (Mazanec) starts with activating yeast in warm milk mixed with sugar until foamy. The dough is formed from flour, sugar, salt, softened butter, egg yolks, lemon zest, and vanilla extract combined with the yeast mixture. After kneading to a soft and smooth consistency, chopped almonds and raisins are incorporated for added texture and fruity sweetness. The dough is covered and allowed to rise until doubled.
Once risen, the dough is shaped and given a second rise, then brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with sliced almonds before baking. The final bread has a golden crust with a slightly crackled surface and a tender, flavorful crumb studded with nuts and raisins. The lemon zest offers a fresh citrus note that complements the natural sweetness.
Mazanec is typically served as part of Easter festivities. It can be eaten plain, spread with butter, or accompanied by jam or honey. Slightly older bread can be toasted in a pan with butter or dipped in hot cocoa or coffee, providing a comforting breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk lukewarm 100°F-38°C
- 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ tick butter softened at room temperature, unsalted
- 2 egg yolk
- 1 Tablespoon lemon freshly grated; the zest from about one small lemon, zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ Tablespoons raisins dried
- 2 Tablespoons almonds chopped
For finishing:
- 1 Tablespoon almonds to garnish, sliced
- ½ egg for egg wash
Instructions
- In a cup, heat ¾ cup milk until lukewarm, then stir in 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast. Place the cup in a warm spot and let it rest for about 15 minutes, until the mixture is foamy and bubbles form on the surface.
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 Tablespoon lemon zest, ¾ stick unsalted butter (softened), and 2 egg yolks. Add the yeast mixture, including the milk, and mix to form a dough.
- Make the dough: Using a wooden spoon, roughly mix the ingredients in the bowl until they come together. Transfer the dough mass to a work surface and sprinkle a small handful of flour on the side. Knead the dough until it becomes soft and smooth, dipping it into the flour as needed if it sticks.
- Add 2 Tablespoons almonds (roughly chopped) and 2 ½ Tablespoons raisins to the dough and knead them in until evenly distributed.
- Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Knead the dough briefly, shape it into a round loaf, and place it seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it rise in a warm place for another hour.
- Make two cross-shaped cuts on the surface of the loaf—a regular razor blade works well, or use a pair of scissors. Whisk ½ egg with a fork and brush Mazanec on all sides. Sprinkle the top with 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds.
- Place the cake in an oven preheated to 360 °F (upper and lower heat) and bake for 35 minutes. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Notes
- This recipe yields one 11-inch (28 cm) Mazanec bread, perfect for Easter celebrations.
- Allow sufficient time for the dough's second rise to prevent cracking during baking.
- After baking, let the bread cool completely before serving or displaying.
- Mazanec is traditionally served at Easter, often accompanied by butter, jam, or honey.
- Day-old bread toasts well in a frying pan with butter or can be dipped in hot cocoa or coffee.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1loaf
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2950 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 2950kcal | 148% |
| Carbohydrates | 441g | 147% |
| Protein | 64g | 128% |
| Fat | 106g | 163% |
| Saturated Fat | 53g | 265% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 34g | 170% |
| Trans Fat | 3g | 150% |
| Cholesterol | 675mg | 225% |
| Sodium | 732mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 1364mg | 29% |
| Fiber | 18g | 72% |
| Sugar | 113g | 226% |
| Vitamin A | 3060IU | 61% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 467mg | 47% |
| Iron | 21mg | 117% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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