Yeast Easter cakes

6 servings

35 minutes

Yeast Easter kulich is a symbol of joy and rebirth, traditionally baked in Russian cuisine for Easter. Its soft and airy dough, filled with aromas of vanilla and sweet notes of raisins, offers a unique taste of home comfort. Legends say that kulichs appeared in ancient times as sacred food associated with the Easter celebration ritual. The glaze on top resembles snow, while the confectionery decorations are like spring flowers. This kulich is perfect for family tea gatherings; its delicate texture pairs wonderfully with hot beverages. The timeless combination of yeast dough, butter, and airy protein glaze makes it a true centerpiece of the festive table.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 1392.1
• Proteins: 31.2g
• Fats: 39.9g
• Carbohydrates: 231.1g

Ingredients

• Milk: 500 ml
• Wheat flour: 1.2 kg
• Butter: 200 g
• Dry yeast: 11 g
• Chicken egg: 6 pc
• Sugar: 250 g
• Raisin: 300 g
• Vanilla sugar: 1 tsp
• Confectionery decorations: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Warm the milk slightly (so it's a bit warm), dissolve the yeast in it.

   Required ingredients:

   • Milk: 500 ml
   • Dry yeast: 11 g

2. Add 500 grams of flour and mix well.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 1.2 kg

3. Place in a warm place. Cover with a towel. The dough should double in size (this will take about 30 minutes).

4. Separate the whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with sugar and vanilla sugar.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 6 pieces
   • Sugar: 250 g
   • Vanilla sugar: 1 teaspoon

5. Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 6 pieces
   • Confectionery decorations:  to taste

6. Add the yolks to the prepared dough and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 6 pieces

7. Next, add softened butter and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Butter: 200 g

8. Add the proteins and mix.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 6 pieces

9. Add the remaining flour (you may need a bit more or less depending on the flour quality), and knead the dough. The dough should be well-kneaded, not too stiff, and should not stick to your hands.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 1.2 kg

10. Put the dough back in a warm place. Let it rise well (this will take 50-60 minutes).

11. Soak the raisins in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then drain the water.

    Required ingredients:

    • Raisin: 300 g

12. Add raisins to the prepared dough, mix, and place the dough back in a warm place.

    Required ingredients:

    • Raisin: 300 g

13. The dough should rise well.

14. Grease the mold with oil, fill the dough to 1/3 of the mold's height. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel.

    Required ingredients:

    • Butter: 200 g

15. Let the dough rise again. Place it in a preheated oven at 100 degrees and bake for 10 minutes. Then increase the temperature to 180 degrees and bake until done (my kulich, 11 cm tall and 17 cm wide, baked for 35 minutes, 10 minutes at 100 degrees and 25 minutes at 180 degrees). To check if the kulich is ready, poke it with a match (or toothpick) — if it comes out dry, the kulich is ready.

16. For the glaze, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Add sugar and whip to stiff peaks. Coat the finished hot kulich with glaze and sprinkle with confectionery sprinkles or decorate with candied fruits.

    Required ingredients:

    • Chicken egg: 6 pieces
    • Sugar: 250 g
    • Confectionery decorations:  to taste