Easter bread without raisins
Description
Delicious baked goods for the whole family. Traditional Easter kulich is baked with raisins, dried apricots, and other dried fruits, as well as various spices. However, not everyone likes raisins. My version is perfect for such people. Easter kulich can be prepared with icing, decorated with colorful sprinkles. Alternatively, they can be made without icing: create beautiful decorations from the dough and place them on top. There are many preparation options, and every homemaker can offer their own. Serve with tea or coffee.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
1. For the sponge: place dry yeast into a bowl, pour warm water over it, add sugar and flour, mix and let sit for 10–20 minutes until foam forms.
- 2
Step 2
2. To the resulting foamy mixture, add flour and pour in warm milk, mix well.
- 3
Step 3
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for half an hour to allow the mixture to increase in volume.
- 4
Step 4
4. Meanwhile, I prepare the dough: I crack 3 chicken eggs into the mixer bowl, add the yolks, and put in sugar.
- 5
Step 5
5. Beat the mixture at maximum speed until it becomes fluffy.
- 6
Step 6
6. Place the risen starter into the bowl and gently mix with a whisk.
- 7
Step 7
7. Attach the dough hook attachment, add salt, vanilla, zest of one orange and one lemon to the mixer bowl, pour in rum, melted butter, and odorless vegetable oil.
- 8
Step 8
8. Gradually add the pre-sifted flour in portions, but not all of it. Stop adding flour as soon as the dough stops sticking to the hands.
- 9
Step 9
9. Place the dough in a bowl and add the remaining flour, knead for about 15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic.
- 10
Step 10
10. Transfer the dough back to the bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
- 11
Step 11
11. Grease the baking molds with vegetable or butter, insert a paper baking collar inside. Divide the dough into 3 large portions, reserving a small amount for decoration. Place 3 pieces into the mold, cover with a towel, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- 12
Step 12
12. From the remaining pieces, I shape decorations, which I attach using an egg mixture (1 egg mixed with a tablespoon of water). I place the decorations and secure them with toothpicks.
- 13
Step 13
13. I put the kuliches in the oven for 10 minutes at 175 degrees, then reduce the temperature to 160 and bake for 50 minutes. I take the kuliches out, carefully remove the toothpicks, let them cool down, and then remove them from the molds.