My favorite Easter bread in 2023

April 12, 2023 By Olga Babitskaya

Prep Time: 3h

Cook Time: 45m

An Easter feast just isn’t complete without fresh-made bread on the table. While there are countless variations to choose from—ranging from classic braided loaves to soft dinner rolls—finding the right one makes all the difference.

This traditional Easter Bread has been a cherished custom around the world for centuries, celebrating the advent of a new season, rebirth, and resurrection.

For me, this particular sweet bread recipe has proven to be the most successful and delicious one I’ve tried this year. It turned out perfectly, and perhaps it will be your new favorite too! ;)

This recipe yields 1 loaf, approximately 20 cm in diameter.

Ingredients for Delicious Easter Bread

Easter Bread Dough

• 165 ml of kefir (or sour milk / high-fat yogurt / sour cream 10-12%)
• 250 gr flour (12-13% protein)
• 5 gr dry yeast
• 55 gr sugar
• 50 gr of yolk (approximately 2-3 egg yolks)
• 40 gr unsalted butter
• 10 gr vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Salt
• Orange peel

For the Sweet Cinnamon Filling

• Cinnamon
• Butter
• Sugar

Instructions for Baking Your Easter Bread

1. Preparing the Rich Easter Bread Dough

   For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at a warm, room temperature before you start mixing.

   • Mixing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, sour milk (or your choice of kefir/yogurt), turmeric, and vanilla. Mix until everything is smooth. Set this aside to rest for 10 minutes.
   • Adding enrichments: Next, incorporate the melted butter, vegetable oil, egg yolks, salt, and finely grated orange zest into the mixture.
   • Kneading for perfection: Knead the dough vigorously for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough becomes wonderfully soft, stops sticking to your hands, and stretches easily without tearing. (Watch the video below for a visual guide on these techniques!)
   • First proofing: Let the dough proof in a warm place for 1 hour, allowing it to rise beautifully.

2. Assembly and Baking Your Sweet Easter Bread

   • Prepare your surface: Lightly oil your work surface or tabletop to prevent sticking.
   • Shape the dough: Gently stretch the risen dough on the table with your hands or roll it out evenly with a rolling pin.
   • Add the filling: Spread the surface of the dough generously with butter, then sprinkle it with your cinnamon and sugar mixture to create a delightful swirl.
   • Form the roll: Carefully twist the dough into a tight roll. I used a plastic spatula to help with this step—check the video if you need a visual guide. Place the prepared roll into a baking mold that is approximately 20 cm in diameter.
   • Second proofing: Allow the dough to rise again in a warm spot for another 60 to 90 minutes. The exact time might vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
   • Baking your Easter treat: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep in mind that baking time can shift based on the moisture content of your filling and oven power. Always test for doneness with a dry toothpick inserted into the center.