Orange Easter Kulich with Candied Fruit

A simply fantastic orange kulich - the traditional Easter bread - studded with candied fruit. It couldn't be easier: no preferment, straight onto instant yeast, with a sunny crumb, bright orange aroma and tender texture.

Orange Easter Kulich with Candied Fruit

A sunny Easter bread with orange juice, zest and candied pineapple. No preferment - straight onto instant yeast. Makes 4 loaves of ~300 g.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Rising 3 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 loaves (~300 g)

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 470-500 g wheat flour
• 4 eggs room temperature
• 80 g sugar
• 20 g vanilla sugar
• 100 g butter room temperature
• 70 ml orange juice
• 10 g instant yeast fresh sachet
• 20 g honey
• 2 oranges, zested
• 1 pinch salt
• 0.5 tsp turmeric for color
• 100 g candied pineapple

Method

 

1. Whisk the eggs with both sugars until smooth. Add the orange juice, zest and honey; mix again.
2. Separately sift the flour with the yeast, salt and turmeric. Add the dry mix to the egg mixture in batches - whisk first, then knead by hand.
3. Work in the soft butter while kneading. If sticky, add at most 2-3 tbsp more flour. Shape into a ball and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5-2 hours.
4. Punch down the risen dough and fold in the candied fruit. Divide into 4, shape into balls and place in the molds.
5. Proof about 1 hour in a warm place. Bake at 175 °C (350 °F) for 20-25 minutes.
   
6. Cool the loaves and decorate as you like. Happy Easter!

Notes

All ingredients at room temperature. Oil your hands for easier kneading.

Key details

• Yeast: since there's no preferment, the instant yeast must be fresh, from a just-opened sachet.
• Temperature: all ingredients at room temperature, or the dough will rise much more slowly.
• Turmeric gives the crumb a beautiful golden color without changing the flavor. Saffron works too, or just leave it out.
• Flour: if the dough feels sticky after kneading, add at most 2-3 more tablespoons. It should stay soft and lively. Oil your hands for kneading.
• This amount makes 4 kulich loaves of ~300 g each.

FAQ