Paska Bread

Name: Paska Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3 large egg yolks; 3/4 c. whole milk; 6 tbsp. melted unsalted butter, cooled, plus more for greasing; 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, divided; 5 c. (600 g.) all-purpose flour, plus more for surface; 1/2 c. (100 g.) granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp. (1/4 oz.) instant yeast; 1 tsp. kosher salt

By Francesca ZaniUpdated: Mar 6, 2024

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

2 Ratings

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

4 hrs 45 mins

Cal/Serv:

465

Jump to recipe

Lately, I’ve been going bread crazy. There’s so much to learn and savor where bread culture is concerned. The panettone is of utmost importance during Christmas for those that celebrate, and don’t get me going on babka—especially the chocolate kind—with all of its nooks and crannies, tender crumb, and just downright amazing flavor. Now with Lent upon us, I’ve landed in Ukraine, where paska is an important staple during this religious period. Unfamiliar with this classic bread? Keep reading on for everything you need to know:

What is paska?
Paska stems from a line of bread that's similar to brioche. It’s an enriched yeast bread made with butter, eggs and egg yolks, milk, and sugar. It’s heavy and delightful, the exact thing you want to wake up to in the morning and smear butter all over. It might be tall or short and stout with braids or other symbolic ornaments molded on top. People bring their paska to Easter mass for a blessing before anyone can try to devour them.

The difference between Ukrainian paska and babka:
These two Ukrainian loaves of bread seem to be interchangeable, but there are slight differences. The paska is typically shorter, round, and has braids or other shapes on top. A simple egg wash will give it a beautiful sheen. Ukrainian babka is like panettone because it’s tall, domed, speckled with fruit and sometimes citrus flavoring, and glazed with a colorful dash of sprinkles.

How to make the best paska bread:
— The yeast. Using instant yeast instead of active yeast eliminates the blooming step. Your bread will rise just fine.
— How long to bake your bread. Bake the bread at 375° for the first 10 to 15 minutes initially to establish color. Then reduce the temperature to 350° and bake for the remaining time. Make sure the bread is at least 190° internally.
— Serving paska bread. Let cool a little bit, but slice into it when it’s still slightly warm—that’s when it’s the BEST experience. Toasting with a little butter will add layers of joy.

Storage:
Store the bread at room temperature wrapped in plastic or foil for up to 3 days.

Did you try making this bread? Let us know how it went in the comments!

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Ingredients

3
large egg yolks
3/4 cup
whole milk
6 Tbsp.
melted unsalted butter, cooled, plus more for greasing
2 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
3
large eggs, divided
5 cups
(600 g.) all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1/2 cup
(100 g.) granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp.
(1/4 oz.) instant yeast
1 tsp.
kosher salt

Directions

1. Step 1In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk, butter, vanilla, and 2 whole eggs. In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually fold flour mixture into milk mixture until a sticky dough forms.
2. Step 2Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky, 8 to 10 minutes. Grease a large bowl with butter, then transfer dough to bowl. Cover with a towel and set in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour, 30 minutes.
3. Step 3Grease a 7"-by-2" springform pan with butter. Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface, pressing to release any air bubbles. Cut a 15-oz. piece of dough, divide into 3 even strands about 1' long, and braid. Pinch ends together.
4. Step 4Shape remaining dough to a ball and transfer to prepared pan. Arrange braid on top of ball; cover with a towel and set in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Step 5Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°. In a small bowl, beat egg with a splash of water until blended. Brush dough with egg wash.
6. Step 6Bake bread until just golden brown, about 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350° and continue to bake until browned an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 190°, 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes before slicing.