Easter Kulich with Sugar Glaze

Baking and Desserts • Russian

Time 3 hours

Ingredients 9

Servings 10

Description

To prepare the kulich, all ingredients should be warm. Therefore, take everything out of the refrigerator in advance.

Ingredients

Milk 15 fl oz
Wheat Flour 0 lbs
Dry yeast 0 oz
Chocolate eggs 6 pieces
Butter 5 oz
Sugar 10 oz
Raisins 5 oz
Powdered Sugar 5 oz
Pastry decorations to taste

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1

Heat the milk to about 140°F (but do not boil).

Step 2

Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk (if fresh yeast is not available, you can substitute with dry yeast — 11 grams).

Step 3

Add 500 grams of sifted flour.

Step 4

Mix well, cover with a warm blanket, towel, or something else suitable and warm, and leave in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Step 5

Separate the egg whites from the yolks.

Step 6

Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy (to make it easier to whip the egg whites, place them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes after separating them from the yolks, then add salt and whip).

Step 7

Rub the yolks with sugar. Add the risen yeast mixture to the yolks and mix.

Step 8

Next, add the softened butter and mix.

Step 9

Add the egg whites and mix.

Step 10

Add the remaining flour (you may need a little more or less flour depending on its quality), knead the dough (the dough should be well kneaded, it should not be stiff and should not stick to your hands).

Step 11

Place the dough back in a warm place and let it rise well (this will take about 50–60 minutes).

Step 12

Soak the raisins in hot water for 15 minutes, then drain the water.

Step 13

Punch down the risen dough and add the raisins.

Step 14

Knead the dough again and leave it in a warm place for another 30 minutes.

Step 15

Punch down the risen dough and knead it once more.

Step 16

Grease the baking pan with butter (if necessary for the pan).

Step 17

Place the dough in half of the pan (if you fill the pan completely, the dough will overflow when it rises).

Step 18

Cover with a towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 19

Bake at 355°F until done (about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the pan). To check if the kulich is ready, poke it with a matchstick (or toothpick); if it comes out dry, the kulich is ready.

Step 20

Let it cool and remove from the pan.

Step 21

To prepare the glaze, use 2 egg whites and 200 grams of powdered sugar (whip everything together). Spread the glaze over the kulich. Optionally, you can decorate the kulich with sprinkles and confectionery beads. Here, you can let your imagination run wild.