Name: Ukrainian Sourdough Easter Bread (Paska)
Prep time: 14 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 14 h 30 min
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 60 g bread flour; 60 g whole wheat flour; 30 g active sourdough starter; 5 g rye flour; 125 g water; 450 g unbleached all-purpose flour; 110 g leaven; 2 large eggs; 50 g sugar; ¾ cup whole milk; ¼ tsp salt; 56.7 g butter, melted; 3 tbsp oil; Zest of 1 lemon; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange

There’s something truly special about celebrating traditions through food. Ukrainian Sourdough Easter Bread, or "Paska," is a beautiful nod to cultural heritage, and it brings a warmth to any gathering. This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the love that goes into each step. Making Paska in your cozy kitchen can be an exciting adventure, and the smell of freshly baked bread will make it all worth it!

Why make this recipe

Let’s talk about why this bread is so delightful. First off, it’s fluffy and slightly sweet, which makes it perfect for a festive table. The combination of rich flavors like lemon and orange zest adds a bright note that dances with every bite. Plus, sharing bread that you’ve handmade fills the heart with pride. It’s a great treat for Easter brunch or any get-together, and the way it looks, with all those sweet twists and decorations, is bound to impress your friends and family!

How to make Ukrainian Sourdough Easter Bread

Gathering all your ingredients and starting to bake is part of the fun! Here’s a simple breakdown of how you’re going to make this aromatic bread.

Ingredients:

60 g bread flour
60 g whole wheat flour
30 g active sourdough starter
5 g rye flour
125 g water
3 ¾ cup / 450 g unbleached all-purpose flour
110 g leaven
2 large eggs
¼ cup / 50 g sugar
¾ cup whole milk
¼ tsp salt
3 tbsp / 56.7 g butter, melted
3 tbsp oil
Zest of 1 lemon
½ tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange

Directions:

Prepare the leaven: In a bowl, mix together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, rye flour, and water along with your active starter. Let it sit for about 6 hours until it gets all bubbly and alive.
Make the dough: With your leaven all set, combine it with milk, melted butter, oil, zest from your lemon and orange, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and salt. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until it blends nicely.
Get it rising: Pop the dough into a greased pan. For the first two hours, do a few folds every 30 minutes, then simply let it sit for about 5-6 hours until it doubles in size. It’s like a little nap that makes it much fluffier!
Cold ferment: Now it’s time for a longer rest. Put the dough in the refrigerator for a 12-hour cold ferment. This is where the magic happens while you catch some z’s!
Shape it up: When you’re ready to bake your masterpiece, grab that dough and divide it into 3 pieces: one large piece (about 330g), a medium piece (180g), and a small one (75g). Flatten the large piece and place it in an 8-inch round pan.
Twist and decorate: Take the medium piece and roll it into two long ropes. Twist them together lovingly. Brush the top of your round piece with egg white (it gives it that golden touch) and gently lay the twisted rope on top.
Artful touches: With the small piece, make pretty designs like rosettes, crosses, flowers, and even doves to decorate your bread. Let it proof for about 45 minutes. It’s like giving it some extra sweet dreams!
Bake time: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown. If you made doves, give them about 10-15 minutes. The aroma brings everyone to the kitchen!

How to serve Ukrainian Sourdough Easter Bread

This lovely bread is perfect for sharing. Slice it up and serve it with butter, jams, or honey. It also pairs wonderfully with festive meals. The flavors are so delightful that your family will be feeling the love with every bite. I like to enjoy it fresh, maybe served alongside some lemon curd scones for a perfect treat.

How to store Ukrainian Sourdough Easter Bread

To keep your bread fresh, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place it in an airtight container. It should stay delicious for a few days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, slice it up and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just pop a slice in the toaster when you want a taste of home again!

Tips to make Ukrainian Sourdough Easter Bread

Patience is key! Allowing your dough to ferment properly transforms the flavors.
You can experiment with other zests or flavored extracts if you want to give it a personal twist.
Don’t rush the proofing time. Good things take time, and your loaf will reward you for it, trust me!

Variation (if any)

Feel free to make this recipe your own! You can incorporate dried fruits, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon for a different flavor profile. I love adding in some currants to give it a sweet touch!

FAQs

What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?
Sometimes, the dough just needs a bit more time, especially if it’s chilly. Try moving it to a warmer spot or giving it additional time.

Can I use store-bought sourdough starter?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s active and bubbly before you start the recipe. It’ll still give you that lovely sour flavor.

How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
It should be golden brown on top. A quick tap on the bottom of the loaf should sound hollow when it’s ready!

Baking Ukrainian Sourdough Easter Bread is more than following steps; it’s about bringing joy to your kitchen and your loved ones. I hope you enjoy every moment of this process!

More recipes? Follow me on Facebook – Pinterest