Dairy-Free Houska (Czech Braided Bread)

Celebrate the flavors of tradition with this Dairy-Free Houska, a Czech braided bread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Perfectly tender and subtly sweet, this recipe swaps out dairy for olive oil and almond milk, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. Infused with the warm notes of vanilla and zesty lemon, and studded with plump raisins and crunchy almonds, this bread is a showstopping centerpiece for any breakfast or holiday table. The rich golden crust, brushed with almond milk and dusted with brown sugar and sliced almonds, adds a touch of decadence to each slice. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this iconic bread is easy to make and deeply satisfying to serve. Whether you’re exploring Czech baking traditions or looking for a crowd-pleasing, plant-based treat, this dairy-free houska has you covered!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 10 grams Active dry yeast
• 50 grams Granulated sugar
• 10 grams Salt
• 250 milliliters Warm water
• 60 milliliters Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Grated lemon zest
• 50 grams Raisins
• 50 grams Sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon Almond milk
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine warm water and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

Step 3

Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.

Step 4

Stir in the raisins and half of the sliced almonds.

Step 5

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 8

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into three equal parts.

Step 9

Roll out each part into a long rope, about 30 cm (12 inches) long. Braid the three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal and tuck them underneath the loaf.

Step 10

Place the braid on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.

Step 11

Brush the braid with almond milk, then sprinkle the top with brown sugar and the remaining sliced almonds.

Step 12

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 13

Remove the houska from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1010.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3039.0

Total Fat 87.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3972.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 496.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.7g	0%
Total Sugars 95.8g
Protein 67.3g	0%

Vitamin D 4.9IU	0%
Calcium 286.0mg	0%
Iron 26.8mg	0%
Potassium 1523.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.9%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 65.3%