Description
This traditional Croatian Easter cake, known as pinca, is a sweet, citrus-infused bread enriched with cranberries, perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 5 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 7 tbsp (100 g) butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- 5 oz (150 ml) warm milk
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Instructions
- Combine the active dry yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 150 ml of warm milk. Let it rise for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dried cranberries with the juice of 1 orange and let them soak for 1 hour.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and add the granulated sugar, salt, and lemon and orange zests. Mix well.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the cranberries and fold them into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a round loaf or divide it into smaller portions for buns.
- Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, cut a cross on the top of the loaf as a symbol of Christianity.
- Beat 1 egg and brush it over the top of the dough for a shiny finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For a more decorative look, you can braid the dough instead of shaping it into a loaf. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins if preferred. Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes