Paska Bread

A tall, beautifully braided loaf of paska bread is a classic Easter staple in many Central and Eastern European traditions. It’s a lightly sweet, enriched yeast bread—similar to brioche—that’s soft and tender. While it looks impressive, it’s surprisingly simple to shape. All you need is a cake pan, a stand mixer, and a basic three-strand braid.

Some versions of paska bread and other festive loaves (like this colorful Easter bread)are finished with glaze and sprinkles, but this recipe calls for skipping the extra sweetness in favor of a more traditional approach. Even so, it makes a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Plus, it’s just as good sliced up the next day for sandwiches, so be sure to save that extra ham!

Here are more Easter bread recipes to fill your bread basket on Sunday!

How do you know when paska bread is done?

Because paska bread is such a tall, dense loaf, it can be tricky to tell when it’s fully baked. While the recipe timing is a good guide, it’s best to double-check for doneness before turning off the oven.

Start by looking at the color: the bread should be a deep, even golden brown. Keep in mind that the egg wash can make the outside brown quickly, even if the inside isn’t fully baked yet. If the top is getting too dark, loosely tent it with foil and continue baking.

For the most reliable test, use an instant-read thermometer: The center of the loaf should reach at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also tap the bread; if it sounds hollow, that’s another good sign it’s done.

Can you make paska bread ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the bread the day it is served, so it’s at its freshest. However, the dough can be made and shaped the night before. After shaping and braiding the dough, cover it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 18 hours. In the morning, remove the dough from the refrigerator and keep it in a warm place to proof—which could take 2 to 4 hours since the dough will be cold. Once the dough is puffed, proceed with brushing it with egg wash and baking as directed.

What’s the best way to store paska bread?

Store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh for longer, store the bread in the freezer for up to two months.

What can you do with leftover paska bread?

If you have extra paska bread after Easter Sunday, consider yourself lucky! It makes great sandwich bread while it’s still fresh, and once it starts to go stale, you can use it to make French toast, this apple bread pudding, or any number of these leftover bread recipes.