
Braided Kulich
Description
There is nothing complicated about making a braided Easter cake. The dough here is the simplest, without a starter. Yet despite that, the cake turns out airy, tender, fluffy, and very tasty. I placed all the ingredients into the bowl of a planetary mixer. This is very convenient; your hands and the table stay clean. But if you don’t have such a mixer, it’s okay, it will still work without it. Rolling a piece of dough into a sheet and shaping it into a roll is also simple. And anyone can braid a plait from three strands. Good luck and happy holidays. Serve cooled or slightly warm.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1

Prepare the ingredients.
- 2
Step 2

Pour the warm milk into a bowl or the mixer bowl. Add the yeast.
- 3
Step 3

Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Add the eggs.
- 4
Step 4

Melt the butter, let it cool slightly, and add it to the bowl.
- 5
Step 5

Add sifted flour.
- 6
Step 6

Knead a soft, elastic dough.
- 7
Step 7

Round the dough and place it in a bowl.
- 8
Step 8

Place the bowl with the dough in a warm place. In an hour to an hour and a half, it will increase in volume.
- 9
Step 9

Divide the dough into four parts. Roll each of the three parts into a sheet.
- 10
Step 10

Sprinkle the layer of dough with raisins and candied fruit.
- 11
Step 11

Roll the dough into a log.
- 12
Step 12

Do the same with the other two pieces of dough. You’ll have three strands.
- 13
Step 13

Make a braid from these cords.
- 14
Step 14

Place the fourth part of the dough into a baking pan.
- 15
Step 15

Roll the braid into a circle and place it on the dough in the pan. Let the future kulich stand in a warm place for 40–50 minutes. Then brush it with egg yolk and put it into the oven, preheated to 175–180 °C.
- 16
Step 16

Bake the kulich for 40-45 minutes. Cooking time depends on your oven.
- 17
Step 17

Remove the finished kulich from the pan and let it cool slightly.
- 18
Step 18

Whisk the white of one egg with powdered sugar until a thick, smooth glaze forms. Cover the kulich with this glaze and decorate with confectionery sprinkles.
- 19
Step 19

The braided cake is ready. Happy Easter!