Easter Sunday 2026
In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on April 12. To mark the occasion, we have curated a collection of five traditional Easter bread recipes, perfect for your holiday table. These recipes, which are a central part of Ukrainian Easter celebrations, include a classic version, Pokutian Easter bread from renowned 20th-century Ukrainian cookbook author Daria Tsvek, a croffin-style bread, Italian panettone, and a brioche-style bread by Extor Jimenez Bravo. For many English-speaking audiences, Easter breads like these are a delicious introduction to the rich culinary traditions of Eastern Europe.
Easter Bread Recipes
Our first selection is the classic Easter bread. You will need the following ingredients:
- 0.5 liters of milk
- 10 grams of dry yeast
- 150 grams of sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 200 grams of butter
- 850 grams of flour
- 30 grams of oil
- 200 grams of raisins
The preparation involves several straightforward steps that yield a tender and flavorful loaf.
The second recipe is for Pokutian Easter bread, created by Daria Tsvek, a celebrated 20th-century culinary writer best known for her frequently reprinted book 'Sweet Pastries,' which saw nine editions. To make it, gather:
- 1 kg of flour
- 1 glass of milk
- 15 egg yolks
- 100 grams of yeast
- 300 grams of butter or margarine
- 400 grams of sugar
- 100 grams of raisins
- 0.5 teaspoon of salt
- vanillin
Third is the Easter croffin. Its ingredients are:
- 200 ml of milk
- 20 grams of fresh yeast
- 100 grams of sugar
- vanilla sugar
- 2 eggs
- 160 grams of butter (60 grams for the dough and 100 grams for layering)
- 40 grams of sour cream
- 550-600 grams of sifted flour
Fourth is the Italian Easter bread, panettone. For the starter:
- 10 grams of compressed yeast
- 80 ml of water
- 105 grams of flour with a protein content of 13g or higher
- 2 grams of salt
For the main dough:
- the starter
- 30 grams of compressed yeast
- 115 ml of 3.2% milk
- 370 grams of flour with a protein content of 13g or higher
- 10 grams of salt
- 120 grams of sugar
- 15 grams of vanilla sugar
- 115 grams of cold egg yolks
- 140 grams of 82.5% butter
The panettone filling consists of 300 grams of candied fruits and dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, raisins, cherries), plus the zest and juice of one orange.
Finally, we have the brioche-style Easter bread, which uses a French technique for dough with a high butter content. Required ingredients are:
- 500 grams of flour
- 150 grams of sugar
- 16 grams of dry yeast
- 10 grams of salt
- 350 grams of eggs (approximately 7)
- 300 grams of butter
- 200 grams of candied fruit or raisins
- 70 grams of orange juice or cognac
These recipes can form the foundation of your Easter baking for 2026, bringing joy and flavor to family celebrations. In Ukraine, preparing these special breads is a cherished tradition passed down through generations, symbolizing renewal and hope. Gathering to bake them on April 12, 2026, offers a wonderful opportunity for families to connect over a dish central to the holiday's meaning.
As you explore these delightful Easter bread recipes, consider trying something unique this year. For a modern twist on traditional flavors, a distinctive sushi-inspired Easter bread featuring salmon and shrimp has emerged at a Cherkasy restaurant. This innovative creation combines the essence of Easter with contemporary culinary trends, offering a fresh perspective on holiday celebrations.