“She was searching for the perfect Easter bread — and this one finally delivered” 🍞🍋✨ Soft, buttery, and rich with citrus and fruit, this recipe melts in your mouth and fills the whole kitchen with celebration. Curious how to make it just right? Full step-by-step in the article below 👇🥚
If you’ve been searching for a soft, aromatic Easter bread that melts in your mouth — this version is the one to keep. Enriched with butter, citrus zest, vanilla, and studded with raisins and colorful fruits, each bite brings comfort and celebration.
What You’ll Need:
All-purpose flour – 450–500 g, plus a bit extra for dusting fruits
Warm milk – 150 ml
Instant dry yeast – 9–10 g (or 30 g fresh)
Granulated sugar – 150 g
Sour cream (15%) – 100 g
Soft unsalted butter – 100 g
Egg yolks – 2
Whole egg – 1
Zest of 1 lemon
Golden raisins – 150 g
Variety of candied fruit pieces– 100 g
Vanilla sugar – 20 g
Salt – ⅓ tsp
Vegetable oil – 30 ml (for greasing surfaces)
How to Make It:
Step 1: Prepare the starter.
Sift the flour. Warm the milk and stir in the yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a little flour. Mix gently and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate.
Step 2: Build the flavor base.
Grate the lemon zest (just the yellow part). In a bowl, whisk the egg, yolks, vanilla sugar, remaining sugar, and salt until light and airy.
Step 3: Prep your mix-ins.
Cover the fruit mix with hot water and let it soak for about 10 minutes, then pat dry. Melt the butter and set it aside to cool.
Step 4: Make and knead the dough.
Stir in the prepared yeast blend with the egg base, cooled butter, sour cream, and zest. Gradually add sifted flour. Knead on a lightly oiled surface for 10–15 minutes until soft and elastic. Let the dough rise under cover in a warm area for about 2 hours, punching down twice during this time.
Step 5: Add fruits and shape.
Toss raisins and candied fruit with a little flour and knead them into the dough. Divide into 5 equal pieces (about 250 g each), roll into balls, and place in molds about 9 cm in diameter. Keep the dough covered and rising for another hour and a half.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 30–40 minutes.To avoid burning the tops, cover them gently with foil after about 15 minutes if needed.
Step 7: Cool and finish
Allow the baked loaves to cool fully at room temperature. Decorate with icing, chocolate, or sprinkles to suit your style.
