Kulich is a tall, cylindrical sweet bread traditionally baked in Russia to celebrate Easter. It’s rich, fragrant with citrus and vanilla, filled with dried fruits and nuts, and topped with a glossy sugar glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, candied peel, chopped apricots)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds)
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice or water
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Activate Yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs with vanilla and citrus zest.
- Add yeast mixture and egg mixture to dry ingredients.
- Add softened butter.
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours until doubled.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down the dough and divide into greased tall cylindrical molds or pans.
- Cover and let rise for 45–60 minutes until nearly doubled.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 40–50 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- If top browns too quickly, cover with foil.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
- Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to make a thick glaze.
- Drizzle over cooled kulich.
- Decorate with sprinkles or chopped nuts.
Tips
- Use tall molds to achieve traditional shape; coffee cans or cake pans work well.
- Let dough rise fully for a light texture.
- Dried fruits can be soaked in warm water or juice for extra moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve sliced with Paskha (sweet cheese spread) for a traditional Easter meal.
- Enjoy with tea or coffee any time of year.