Kulich (Easter bread)

Have a go making this sweet, buttery Russian-inspired bread. It’s the perfect treat with a cup of tea.

Easter bread Kulich with pink icing sugar

Serves

10

Prep

20m

Note: + Cooling, standing, rising & setting time

Cooking

45m

Ingredients

  • 2 tbs sweet sherry or apple juice
  • 75g mixed dried fruit (such as dried cranberries, mixed peel, currants or sultanas)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) lukewarm milk
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) lukewarm water
  • 3 tsp (11/2 sachets/10g) dried yeast
  • 1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar
  • 3 cups (450g) plain flour
  • 2 tsp finely grated lemon rind
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 Coles Australian Free Range Eggs, lightly whisked
  • 100g butter, melted, cooled
  • 1 cup (160g) icing sugar mixture
  • Pink liquid food colouring
  • 100’s & 1000’s, to decorate

Method

STEP 1

Combine sherry or apple juice and dried fruit in a saucepan over low heat. Cook for 1-2 mins or until just heated through. Set aside to cool.

STEP 2

Meanwhile, combine the milk, water, yeast and 1 tsp of the sugar in a small bowl. Set aside for 5 mins or until frothy.

STEP 3

Combine flour, lemon rind, salt and remaining sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre. Add yeast mixture, egg and butter and stir to combine. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 mins or until smooth and elastic. Add the fruit mixture and knead for 2-3 mins or until just combined. Place in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 1 1/2 hours or until the dough doubles in size.

STEP 4

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 15cm (base measurement) round cake pan and line the base with baking paper. Line the side with 2 layers of baking paper, allowing it to extend 12cm above the edge.

STEP 5

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Shape into a ball. Place in the prepared pan. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draught-free place for 30 mins or until the dough rises just above the rim of the pan.

STEP 6

Bake for 35-40 mins or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped on top. Set aside in the pan for 10 mins before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

STEP 7

Sift the icing sugar into a medium bowl. Stir in enough water to make a runny paste. Use food colouring to tint the icing pink. Spread on top of the loaf. Sprinkle with 100’s & 1000’s. Set aside to set.

Check ingredient labels to make sure they meet your specific dietary requirements and always consult a health professional before changing your diet. View dietary information here.