Description
Mazanec is a traditional Czech Easter bread, sweet and yeasted, featuring rum-soaked raisins and topped with almonds. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a dessert with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 tbsp rum
- 150 g or 5 oz raisins
- 42 g or 1.5 oz fresh yeast
- 400 ml or 1 3/4 cup lukewarm whole milk
- 200 g or 7 oz (1 cup) sugar
- 1 kg or 2.2 lbs all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest or orange zest
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g or 3.5 oz unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 50 g or 1.8 oz sliced almonds
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a bowl, pour the rum over the raisins, stir well, and set aside to allow the raisins to soak.
- For the yeast starter, combine the fresh yeast, lukewarm milk, and a couple of tablespoons of the sugar in a bowl. Stir and set aside until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, lemon or orange zest, and salt. Mix well.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and soaked raisins (including any remaining rum).
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round loaf and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the loaves with the beaten egg for an egg wash and sprinkle the sliced almonds on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the loaves to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can cut the recipe in half to make a smaller loaf if desired. This bread pairs well with coffee or tea and can be enjoyed at breakfast or as a dessert. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for several days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes