Celebrate the Easter season with this traditional and mouthwatering Kraffin bread – a sweet, soft, and aromatic treat that will become a cherished addition to your holiday table. This recipe combines the warmth of freshly baked bread with delightful citrus notes and sweet raisins.
Ingredients
For the Starter
- Active dry yeast: 7 g (2¼ teaspoons)
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Flour: 1 tablespoon
- Milk: 80 ml (⅓ cup)
For the Dough
- Eggs: 2 large
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Sugar: 100 g (½ cup)
- Butter: 40 g (3 tablespoons)
- Orange juice: 60 ml (¼ cup)
- Orange zest: From 1 orange
- All-purpose flour: 400 g (3¼ cups)
Filling
- Butter: 80 g (6 tablespoons), divided
- Raisins: 80 g (½ cup), divided
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the starter:
- Mix yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and milk
- Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy
- Make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, salt, 100g sugar
- Add butter, orange juice, and orange zest
- Incorporate the starter mixture
- Add flour:
- Gradually add flour in several stages
- Knead until you have a soft, smooth dough
- First Rise:
- Place dough in a warm place
- Let rise for 40-60 minutes
- Prepare Filling:
- Divide dough into 2 equal parts
- For each part, spread with 40g butter
- Sprinkle 40g raisins
- Shape the Bread:
- Roll each dough portion
- Cut lengthwise, leaving about 4 cm uncut at the bottom
- Braid or twist the dough
- Second Rise:
- Let shaped bread rest in a warm place for 40 minutes
- Preheat oven to 170°C (338°F)
- Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes
- Cool slightly
- Dust with powdered sugar
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 5-6g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 10-12g
Cooking Tips
- Ensure yeast is fresh and active
- Use warm (not hot) milk for the starter
- Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm area
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep it tender
Variations
- Replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts
- Add almond extract for additional flavor
- Use lemon zest instead of orange for variation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this bread ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate overnight.
Q2: How do I store Kraffin? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this bread? A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Q4: What if my dough doesn’t rise? A: Check yeast freshness and ensure a warm environment.
Q5: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Use a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.
Storage Tips
- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Best enjoyed within 2-3 days
- Reheat briefly in oven before serving for fresh-baked taste
Enjoy your homemade Easter Kraffin – a delicious celebration of holiday baking!
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