Desserts

Paska (Easter Pastry)

Name: Paska (Easter Pastry)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 150 g butter; 250 g sour cream; 250 g milk; 3 egg yolks; 1 cup sugar; 50 g fresh yeast; 3 cups flour; Pinch of salt

Prep

30 minutes plus rising

Cook

35 to 40 minutes

Paska is a rich Easter pastry that bakes soft and lightly sweet, with sour cream and butter giving it a plush crumb that stays tender for days.

Ingredients

150 g butter
250 g sour cream
250 g milk
3 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
50 g fresh yeast
3 cups flour
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1
Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast in it.
2
Beat the egg yolks with the sugar and a pinch of salt.
3
Stir the sour cream into the milk mixture.
4
Add the yolk mixture and softened butter, then mix well.
5
Work in the flour to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.
6
Leave the dough in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
7
Grease the baking pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
8
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40 to 50 minutes until the top is deep golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out.

Best Served With

Fruit preserves

Cook's Note

Warm the milk until it feels just warm to the touch, not hot, before adding the yeast, too much heat will kill it and the dough will not rise.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of sour cream, milk, butter, and yolks creates a rich dough with a soft crumb, while the simple method keeps the loaf approachable.

Make It Yours

Add raisins to the dough. Add citrus zest or vanilla for more aroma. Finish the baked loaf with a light sugar glaze.