Kulich russian panettone –Spring is upon us, and with it comes the delightful tradition of baking Kulich, a rich and festive Russian Easter bread that is sure to bring warmth and joy to any gathering. This beautifully topped bread is not only a treat for the eyes but also for the palate, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebrations.
Kulich, Russian Easter Bread
This sweet bread is often adorned with a charming icing on top, symbolizing the sweet joy of Easter. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to bake this eye-catching and delicious bread.
Ingredients
To prepare your Kulich, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup candied fruits (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Icing ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and a splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the egg mixture, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If you’re adding candied fruits and raisins, incorporate them at this stage.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a tall, cylindrical loaf. Place it in a greased or lined pan.
- Cover again and let it rise for another 1 hour, or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Kulich for about 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bread is cooling, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the Kulich has cooled, drizzle the icing on top and let it set before serving.
Enjoy this delicious Kulich with friends and family as you celebrate the season of renewal. The soft, fluffy texture combined with the sweet flavors is simply irresistible!
