Best 2 Pasca Romanian Easter Bread Recipes

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Pasca is a traditional Romanian Easter bread that holds a special place in the hearts of many. This sweet and fluffy bread is enjoyed by families and friends during the Easter holiday. With its unique braided design and rich, flavorful filling, Pasca is a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the steps of creating a delectable Pasca that will impress your loved ones and add a touch of Romanian tradition to your Easter celebration.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PASKA EASTER BREAD



Paska Easter Bread image

Paska is a traditional Easter bread prepared with lots of eggs, making it much richer than ordinary sweet breads. The beautifully braided top will earn you many compliments.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 loaves (12 pieces each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided
4 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
13-1/2 to 14-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
6 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon salt
EGG GLAZE:
1 egg
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 cup warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add remaining water. Beat in the milk powder and 5 cups flour until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Add eggs, butter, salt and remaining sugar; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half and set 1 portion aside. Divide remaining portion in half; press each portion into a well-greased 10-in. springform pan. Divide reserved dough into 6 balls. Shape each ball into a 30-in. rope; make 2 braids of 3 ropes each. Place a braid around the edge of each pan, forming a circle. Trim ends of braids, reserving dough scraps. Pinch ends of braids to seal. Shape scraps into 2 long thin ropes; form into rosettes or crosses. Place 1 decoration on the center of each loaf. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. , In a small bowl, beat egg and water; brush over dough. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 73mg cholesterol, Sodium 380mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

PASCA - ROMANIAN EASTER BREAD



Pasca - Romanian Easter Bread image

Pasca (sometimes called paska or Easter Bread) is a traditional eastern Europe yeast bread that is soft and sweet. In Romania this bread is special because it has cheese cake center. My Romanian friend first made it for me with just the cheese cake middle with no bread, and it was wonderful, but I wanted to try this more traditional style with a braided bread circle.

Provided by HeathersCookin

Categories     Cheesecake

Time 4h30m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup bread flour
1 cup milk, lukewarm
2 teaspoons dry yeast
1/2 cup bread flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup grapeseed oil or 1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon milk, if dough is too dry
1 cup ricotta cheese or 1 cup farmer cheese
2 eggs
1/3 cup sugar, powdered if available
3 drops lemon extract or 3 drops rum extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest, optionally
1/2 cup raisins
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon water

Steps:

  • Make the Bread Dough:.
  • In a mixing bowl add 1 cup flour, 1 cup warm milk, and 2 tsp of dry yeast and stir to combine. Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour on top and let sit for 10-15 minutes until the mixture increases in volume and the flour on top is cracked looking.
  • To the same bowl, add melted butter, oil, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until well combined.
  • Slowly add the remaining 3 cups of flour while continuing to mix, adding only enough for the dough to clear the sides of the bowl, no more. Adding too much flour will cause the dough to be dry.
  • Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, use only enough flour to keep dough from sticking to hands and surface, being careful not to add too much.
  • Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. I like to let dough rise in a closed (off) oven.
  • Divide the dough into 4 sections.
  • Roll one piece into a 10-inch circle and place it in the bottom of a well-buttered 10 inch springform pan.
  • Shape the remaining pieces into thin ropes about 2.5 feet long and braid them together.
  • Place the braided pieces in the springform pan, braiding the ends together to form a sealed circle.
  • Cover and let rise for another 40 minutes.
  • Make the Cheese Filling:.
  • When is the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 375F and make the cheese filling.
  • In a new mixing bowl, whisk together the cheese, eggs, sugar, raisins, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
  • Assemble and Bake:.
  • Beat egg with water, and brush the braid with the egg wash.
  • Pour the cheese filling into the middle of the braided circle.
  • Bake for 15 minute sat 375°F.
  • Without opening the oven door, lower the oven temperature to 325F and bake for 45 more minutes or until the crust is deep brown.
  • Turn off the oven and crack open the oven door a little bit. Allow the bread to cool slowly inside the oven.
  • Slice and enjoy with a hot cup of tea!

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
  • Make sure the milk and butter are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
  • Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
  • Shape the dough into a round ball and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  • Let the dough rise again until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Enjoy the bread warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion:

Pasca is a delicious and traditional Romanian Easter bread that is easy to make at home. With its soft and fluffy texture, sweet and tangy flavor, and beautiful braided design, it is a perfect addition to any Easter celebration. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of Romanian tradition. Happy baking!

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