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Fluffy Greek Tsoureki Easter Bread Recipe with Zesty Orange

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A soft, fluffy Greek Easter bread scented with zesty orange and traditional spices like mahlab and mastic. Perfect for Easter morning or any cozy occasion, this bread features a golden crust and pillowy crumb with a subtle citrus aroma.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp mahlab (optional)
  • A small pinch ground mastic (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Sesame seeds for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup (60ml) of the warmed milk (about 100°F / 38°C) with 1 tsp of sugar and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, mahlab, and ground mastic (if using).
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the remaining warm milk, softened butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
  4. Make the dough: Pour the yeast mixture and wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or dough hook until the dough starts to come together.
  5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 7-8 minutes. Add flour 1 tbsp at a time if too sticky.
  6. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll each into a 16-inch rope. Braid tightly and tuck ends underneath. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Second rise: Cover loosely and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before baking.
  10. Egg wash and topping: Whisk one egg with 1 tbsp water and brush over loaf. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top.
  11. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  12. Cool: Let bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

If you don’t have mahlab or mastic, omit them for a still delicious bread. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with coconut oil. Use bread flour for a chewier texture. Ensure dough doubles in size during rises for fluffiness. Use egg wash for a shiny golden crust. Cool completely before slicing to set crumb.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek bread, Tsoureki, Easter bread, orange zest bread, braided bread, sweet bread, traditional Greek recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/fluffy-greek-tsoureki-easter-bread-recipe-with-zesty-orange-easy-tutorial/