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.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 8

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

If using raisins, fold them into the dough at this stage, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan or similar loaf pan.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 9

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Before serving, dust the bread with powdered sugar for a festive finish. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1263.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3856.4

Total Fat 121.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 833.3mg	0%
Sodium 1538.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 618.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.8g	0%
Total Sugars 231.1g
Protein 82.0g	0%

Vitamin D 302.3IU	0%
Calcium 541.9mg	0%
Iron 27.1mg	0%
Potassium 1926.3mg	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: 28.0%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 63.5%