Village Easter loaf with nuts

8 servings

50 minutes

The village Easter loaf with nuts is a symbol of generosity and family warmth, traditionally baked for Bright Sunday. Its roots trace back to the Russian village where the aroma of fresh bread filled homes in anticipation of the holiday. The fluffy yeast dough soaked in milk, butter, and the gentle sweetness of raisins creates a soft, airy texture. Nuts add a pleasant crunch to the loaf, while lemon and orange zest provide a refined citrus freshness. Rum-soaked raisins add a touch of noble aroma. The cross-shaped cut and golden crust adorned with almonds make it a true centerpiece on the table. This loaf is served with tea or sweet wine, enjoying its rich flavor that embodies the festive atmosphere and cozy home traditions.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 534.6
• Proteins: 11.8g
• Fats: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 69.8g

Ingredients

• Wheat flour: 500 g
• Sugar: 100 g
• Milk: 1 glass
• Butter: 100 g
• Fresh yeast: 50 g
• Egg yolk: 3 pc
• Lemon zest: to taste
• Chicken egg: 1 pc
• Dark rum: 3 tbsp
• Salt: pinch
• Raisin: 100 g
• Almond: 50 g
• Walnuts: 50 g
• Orange zest: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Prepare a starter for the dough. Dissolve the yeast in 0.5 cup of warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Place in a warm place and let it double in size.

   Required ingredients:

   • Fresh yeast: 50 g
   • Milk: 1 glass
   • Sugar: 100 g

2. Prepare yeast dough. Sift the flour, pile it on the work surface, add the starter, remaining milk, 80 grams of vegetable oil, yolks, sugar, and salt. Knead well, cover. Let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 500 g
   • Milk: 1 glass
   • Egg yolk: 3 pieces
   • Sugar: 100 g
   • Salt:  pinch

3. Wash the raisins, soak in rum for 20 minutes. Set aside 10 almonds for decoration, chop the rest finely. Grate the zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange on a fine grater.

   Required ingredients:

   • Raisin: 100 g
   • Dark rum: 3 tablespoons
   • Almond: 50 g
   • Lemon zest:  to taste
   • Orange zest:  to taste

4. Knead the dough. Add nuts, grated citrus zest, raisins, and mix. Shape the dough into a round loaf and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Make a cross-shaped cut on top with a knife.

   Required ingredients:

   • Almond: 50 g
   • Walnuts: 50 g
   • Raisin: 100 g
   • Lemon zest:  to taste
   • Orange zest:  to taste

5. Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg. Decorate with peeled and thinly sliced almonds. Bake for 45-55 minutes in an oven preheated to 180 degrees. Brush the finished loaf with a piece of butter on top.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 1 piece
   • Almond: 50 g
   • Butter: 100 g