How to Make Kulich – A Traditional Russian Easter Bread

 

--- published by foodie Parmod.

Kulich is a tall, cylindrical sweet bread traditionally baked for Easter celebrations in Russia and Eastern Europe. Rich with eggs, butter, dried fruits, and often topped with a white sugar glaze, kulich is similar to Italian panettone or brioche but carries its own distinct flavour and cultural significance. It's often blessed in church before being served at the Easter table.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make kulich at home using ingredients readily available in British supermarkets. The recipe is straightforward, festive, and perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.

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🍞 What is Kulich?

Kulich is a yeasted, enriched bread typically made with white flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, and raisins or other dried fruits. It’s traditionally baked in tall tins, such as coffee tins or panettone moulds, to achieve its iconic height. Once baked and cooled, the bread is glazed with a white icing and decorated with sprinkles or nuts.

This bread is symbolic of celebration and new life, making it a centrepiece of the Orthodox Easter feast.

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🧺 Ingredients

For the dough:

500g strong white bread flour

7g (1 sachet) fast-action dried yeast

100g caster sugar

150ml warm milk

3 large eggs (room temperature)

100g unsalted butter (softened)

100g raisins or sultanas

50g mixed peel or chopped dried apricots

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp ground cardamom or nutmeg (optional)

½ tsp salt

For the glaze:

100g icing sugar

1–2 tbsp lemon juice or water

Sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional)

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🥄 Method

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and spices. Make a well in the centre and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix to form a sticky dough.

Add the softened butter, a little at a time, kneading until fully incorporated. This can take about 10–15 minutes by hand or 8–10 minutes with a stand mixer. The dough should be smooth and elastic.

3. Add the Fruit

Fold in the raisins and mixed peel evenly. Place the dough into a clean, greased bowl, cover with a tea towel or cling film, and let it rise in a warm place for 1½–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape and Second Rise

Grease and line a tall tin (e.g., a 1-litre tin, panettone mould, or cleaned coffee tin). Punch down the dough and shape it into a smooth ball. Place it into the tin and cover loosely. Let it rise for another 45–60 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas Mark 4.

5. Bake the Kulich

Bake the bread in the centre of the oven for 35–40 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean when done.

Allow the bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Decorate with Glaze

Mix the icing sugar with lemon juice or water until you have a thick, pourable glaze. Drizzle it over the top of the cooled kulich and decorate with sprinkles or nuts.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve with butter, jam, or honey for breakfast or tea.

Pair with cream cheese or mascarpone for a decadent treat.

Toast lightly and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Traditionally served after Easter mass with Paskha cheese dessert.

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🧠 Tips for Success

Make sure your ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are at room temperature.

For a more authentic look, bake in a tall cylindrical tin.

Allow the kulich to cool fully before glazing, or the icing will melt.

Soak the dried fruits in warm tea or rum for 30 minutes before adding, for extra flavour and softness.

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🌾 Why Bake Kulich?

Kulich is not just a bread — it’s a beautiful symbol of celebration, sharing, and heritage. Baking it at home allows you to honour this tradition while enjoying the rich, sweet flavour of this festive loaf.

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📈 

How to make kulich

Traditional kulich recipe UK

Russian Easter bread

Easter baking ideas

Sweet yeasted bread recipe

Homemade kulich with glaze

Orthodox Easter bread

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Conclusion

Making kulich at home is a delightful way to celebrate Easter or simply enjoy a beautifully enriched bread at any time of year. With its soft crumb, sweet fruit, and striking appearance, kulich is sure to impress your family and guests.

Whether you’re following tradition or exploring new recipes, this delicious bread deserves a place on your table.

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--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.