Kulich (Sweet Russian Easter Bread) Recipe

Name: Kulich (Sweet Russian Easter Bread)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2/3 sticks Butter, At Room Temperature; 4 Tablespoons Fresh Yeast Or 14 Grams (5 Teaspoons) Dry Yeast; 1/2 cups Lukewarm Milk, Plus 1 Tablespoon, Divided; 1/2 cups Agave Nectar; 4 cups Flour (I Used 1:1 Ratio Of All-purpose To Whole Wheat Flour); 3 Eggs; 1 Large Orange, Zested; 1 Large Lemon, Zested; 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom; 1 pinch Salt; 1 Egg Yolk; FOR THE GLAZE:; 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice; 1 Tablespoon Water; 3 Tablespoons Sugar Pearls, For Garnish

Servings: persons

2/3 sticks Butter, At Room Temperature
4 Tablespoons Fresh Yeast Or 14 Grams (5 Teaspoons) Dry Yeast
1/2 cups Lukewarm Milk, Plus 1 Tablespoon, Divided
1/2 cups Agave Nectar
4 cups Flour (I Used 1:1 Ratio Of All-purpose To Whole Wheat Flour)
3 Eggs
1 Large Orange, Zested
1 Large Lemon, Zested
1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
1 pinch Salt
1 Egg Yolk
FOR THE GLAZE:
1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Water
3 Tablespoons Sugar Pearls, For Garnish

1
In a medium bowl, whisk together softened butter, crumbled (or dry) yeast, 1/2 cup milk and agave nectar. Put the flour into a large bowl, make a well in the middle and pour the butter mixture in it. Knead until smooth. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2
Meanwhile, mix together whole eggs, orange and lemon zest, cardamom and a pinch of salt. Add to the dough and knead again. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 90 minutes.
3
Meanwhile, prepare a tall baking form or a saucepan, lining it with parchment paper or use Panettone paper molds. Knead dough once again, transfer to the baking form/saucepan/paper mold and let rest for 30 more minutes.
4
Preheat oven to 200u00b0C or 390u00b0F. Mix remaining 1 tablespoon milk with egg yolk and coat the top of the kulich using a little brush. Bake kulich for 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before taking it out of the form/paper.
5
Make the glaze by mixing together powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add water to thin. Once the kulich is cooled, pour the glaze over it and sprinkle with sugar pearls before the glaze sets. Serve with cottage cheese paskha (see the recipe on my blog). Enjoy!

855

kcal

Calories

Fat

126

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2/3 sticks Butter, At Room Temperature, 4 Tablespoons Fresh Yeast Or 14 Grams (5 Teaspoons) Dry Yeast, 1/2 cups Lukewarm Milk, Plus 1 Tablespoon, Divided, 1/2 cups Agave Nectar, and more.

Yes, Kulich (Sweet Russian Easter Bread) falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Kulich (Sweet Russian Easter Bread)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions