If you are in the mood for a traditional, sweet, and festive bread to celebrate Easter, Kulich is the perfect choice. This soft, pillowy bread is rich with dried fruits and a hint of citrus, making it a delightful treat. Whether you are new to baking or an experienced baker, this Kulich recipe is simple to follow and will fill your home with the warmth and aroma of freshly baked bread.
Tips to Make the Kulich Recipe:
1. Use Fresh Yeast: For the fluffiest Kulich, make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Dissolve it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar to activate it and ensure it bubbles up before adding it to the dough mixture.
2. Pre-Soak the Dried Fruits: To keep the dried fruits tender and juicy, soak them in warm water or a bit of rum for 15-20 minutes before adding to the dough. This will prevent them from drawing moisture out of the bread during baking.
3. Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for that extra burst of flavor. This will give your Kulich a refreshing and delightful citrus aroma.
4. Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow your Kulich to cool completely before adding the icing. This prevents the icing from melting and running off the bread, ensuring a beautiful, appealing finish.
Follow these simple tips, and you will be able to enjoy a perfectly baked Kulich that is moist, flavorful, and perfect for your Easter celebrations.
How to Make Kulich Recipe?
Kulich Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Baking tin Tall and cylindrical
- 1 Mixing Bowl Large size
- 1 Electric mixer With dough hook attachment
- 1 Whisk For mixing
Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour Sifted
- 150 g Sugar
- 200 ml Milk Warm
- 3 units Eggs Room temperature
- 100 g Butter Melted
- 1 tbsp Active dry yeast
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Salt
- 100 g Raisins Soaked
- 50 g Candied fruits Chopped
- 50 g Almonds Chopped
- 200 g Powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp Water As needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk, add a tablespoon of sugar, and let it stand until frothy.
- Add the rest of the sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add sifted flour and knead until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- Incorporate the soaked raisins, candied fruits, and almonds into the dough. Mix well.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased tall baking tin.
- Let the dough rise again in the tin for about 30-40 minutes, until it reaches the top of the tin.
- Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the Kulich cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and enough water to make a thick but pourable icing.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled Kulich, letting it run down the sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Making a Kulich is a wonderful way to celebrate festive moments with family and friends. This traditional Russian Easter bread is not only delicious but also carries a rich history and cultural significance. By taking the time to bake this special bread, you get to share in a time-honored tradition that brings joy and warmth to any gathering.
Whether you follow a classic recipe or add your own twist, the process of baking Kulich can be a fun and rewarding experience. Remember to take your time, enjoy the process, and savor the delightful results. Happy baking!
