Polish Easter Bread
Celebrate tradition with this delightful Polish Easter Bread, a rich and tender sweet loaf perfect for marking the holiday season. Infused with the warm flavors of vanilla and a hint of zesty lemon, this festive bread boasts a soft, pillowy texture thanks to the combination of buttery dough and frothy yeast. Optional juicy raisins add bursts of sweetness, while the finishing touch of powdered sugar creates a visually stunning treat. Whether served as a centerpiece for Easter brunch or as a comforting snack with tea, this bread is as versatile as it is delicious. With straightforward steps and a beautiful golden crust, Polish Easter Bread is a must-try bake that brings a taste of Eastern European tradition to your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 cup Milk (warm, about 110°F/43°C)
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 units Eggs (large)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar (from the 0.75 cup), and active dry yeast. Stir gently and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine.
Add the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Using a dough hook (if using a stand mixer) or your hands, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
If using raisins, fold them into the dough at this stage, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan or similar loaf pan.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and shape it to fit into your prepared pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until the dough has puffed up slightly.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Before serving, dust the bread with powdered sugar for a festive finish. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
496 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.2 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 105 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 167 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.9 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.9 g | ||
| Protein | 10.6 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 67 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 224 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
