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nataliasblog

Easy Soft Easter Bread (Kulich) – Quick & Fluffy. Ready in 1.5 hours

5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
rise time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: european
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

(Quick Starter)
  • 120 ml warm milk
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 7 g active dry yeast
For the Dough
  • 2 large eggs
  • 90 g sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 70 g unsalted butter softened
  • 280 –300 g all-purpose flour
  • pinch of salt
  • 80 –100 g raisins or candied fruits
Thick White Frosting (Classic Kulich Glaze)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 120 g powdered sugar
  • 1 egg white

Equipment

  • kitchenaid mixer
  • easter bread molds

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Quick Sponge
    In a bowl, combine:
    1. warm milk
    2. sugar
    3. yeast
    Place in a slightly warm oven (about 30–35°C / 85–95°F) for 10 minutes
    1. It should become foamy
    Step 2: Make the Dough
      Add to the sponge:
      1. eggs
      2. sugar
      3. vanilla
      4. soft butter
      Mix, then add:
      1. flour
      2. salt
      3. yeast starter
      Knead until soft and slightly sticky dough forms
      1. Fold in raisins
      Step 3: First Rise (FAST METHOD )
      1. Cover the dough and place in a warm oven
      2. Let rise for 25–35 minutes
      3. Dough should double in size
      Step 4: Shape
      1. Transfer dough into a pan (13 cm / 5-inch)
      Fill:
      1. 1/2 to 2/3 full
      2. Let rise again in warm oven for 15–20 minutes
      Step 5: Bake
      1. Bake at 170°C / 340°F for 30–35 minutes
      2. If top browns too fast — cover with foil
      Thick White Frosting (Classic Kulich Glaze)
      1. Instructions:
      2. Whisk until thick and glossy
      3. It should slowly drip and hold shape
      4. Spread over completely cooled bread

      Notes

      Tips for the BEST Kulich

      • Do NOT add too much flour → dough must stay soft
      • Warm oven = your secret weapon
      • Don’t overbake → slightly under is better than dry
      • Add 1 tbsp sour cream → extra softness (optional)

       Want EVEN More Airy Texture?

      You can:
       Let the dough rise longer (1–2 hours instead of quick method)
      Result:
      • even lighter
      • more “cotton-like” texture
      • closer to panettone style

       Variations (Make It Your Own)

      Instead of raisins, try:
      • dried cranberries
      • chopped dried apricots
      • chocolate chips
      • candied orange peel
      • nuts (walnuts, almonds)

      Tried this recipe?

      Let us know how it was!