Description
This sweet bread is traditionally baked in Croatia during Easter holidays. It takes a lot of time to prepare, but the result is sweet, rich, soft, foamy, light and beautifully flavored dough that will satisfy any palate!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dough:
- 26.4 oz (750g) all-purpose flour
- 2 sachets (14g) dry yeast
- 6 oz (175g) sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla sugar
- 2.6 oz (75g) unsalted butter
- 2.6 oz (75g) lard
- 0.6 cups (150ml) warm milk
- 3.1 oz (90g) sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 3/4 tbsp (40ml) rum
- 1.4 oz (40g) raisins
- 1.7 oz (50g) mixed candied fruit
- Zest of 1 orange (finely grated)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (finely grated)
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prep Raisins:
- Soak raisins in rum and set aside.
- Dough Mixture:
- Sift flour into a large mixing bowl. Incorporate salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar.
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk and mix into the flour. Add eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, and citrus zests. Stir in candied fruit and rum-soaked raisins.
- Kneading:
- Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms, approximately 10 minutes. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough, then knead in melted (but cooled) butter and lard. Cover and let rise again until doubled.
- Forming Loaves:
- Shape the dough into five round loaves and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Rest for 30 minutes. Cut a cross on top of each loaf with kitchen scissors.
- Egg Wash:
- Beat 1 egg and brush the top of each loaf. Let stand for an additional 10 minutes.
- Baking:
- Preheat oven to 356°F (180°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden.
- Final Touch:
- While hot, brush the loaves again with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm to touch for the yeast to activate properly.
- Allow dough to fully double during both rising periods for best texture.
- The cross-cut on top of the loaves is traditional and helps the bread bake evenly.
- Prep Time: 150 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Croatian