Kulich (Russian Easter Cake)

Jun 04, 2023June 4, 20230 5
Traditional Russian Easter Cake Recipe - Kulich
in Dessert

Prep

90 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

135 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon vodka
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 cup lukewarm water
1 ( .25 ounce ) package active dry yeast
1 cup milk
1 pinch saffron threads
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter , melted
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup orange blossom honey
1 lemon , zested
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
3 cups all-purpose flour , divided
1/2 cup sliced almonds
4 clean 14-ounce food cans
1 egg white
1 1/2 cups confectioners ' sugar , or more as needed
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds , or as needed

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
1284
Sugar
76g
Fat
49g
Kulich is a type of bread, specifically a sweet and airy enriched dough, traditionally baked in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. This cake-like bread is a part of the Orthodox Easter celebration and rich in cultural meaning. The unique aspect of Kulich is its shape, requiring a special rounded form (in the absence of a rounding form, metal cans can be used). This baked treat is a unique representation of Russian cuisine and a fantastic addition to various meals throughout the year with a richer flavor similar to that of a Panettone or Stollen. The recipe is straightforward to make, and the unique combination of flavors is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.

Instructions

1.Soak the raisins in the vodka, 1 teaspoon of white sugar, and lukewarm water in a small bowl and let sit for 30 minutes.
2.In a small bowl or cup, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm milk.
3.In a large bowl, combine the remaining milk, saffron threads, cardamom, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 cup flour. Mix well and leave at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
4.Add melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, honey, lemon zest, vanilla, salt, eggs, and egg yolk to the flour mixture, whisking until smooth.
5.Add 2 cups of flour, one at a time, and mix well until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft, smooth ball.
6.Knead the dough for 10 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7.Put dough in a large, floured, clean, and oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 2 hours.
8.Punch down the dough's center, knead it for 3 to 4 minutes, add the raisins and mix well, and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
9.Grease 4 clean 14-ounce food cans, fill them halfway with the dough, let them rise again until they reach the top, and then sprinkle the top of the dough with sliced almonds.
10.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and brush the top of each kulich with egg wash.
11.Bake for 45 minutes, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool.
12.Mix the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice in a bowl, add a few drops of water if necessary, and pour over the kulich surface, then sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds.

PROS

A flavorful and traditional food rich in raisins, honey, and nuts.

Perfect for those with a sweet tooth who enjoy rich and hearty desserts with a satisfying crumbly texture.

CONS

Loaded with added sugars and fats,
Not suitable for those who are looking to reduce their sugar or fat consumption.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although this dessert is high-calorie and sugar, it is rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin E. The raisins are a good source of fiber that supports digestion and reduces inflammation while almonds are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which aids in skin health, immune system function, and protects against cellular damage.

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