This Polish Easter bread is a rich, buttery masterpiece studded with plump rum-soaked raisins and fragrant with lemon zest. Baked in a Bundt pan for a beautiful presentation, it’s the ultimate holiday centerpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Authentic Polish tradition – A must for Easter celebrations
✅ Luxuriously rich – Egg yolks and butter create a tender crumb
✅ Boozy sweetness – Rum-soaked raisins add depth
✅ Stunning presentation – Golden crown dusted with powdered sugar
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup golden raisins (or sultanas)
- 2 tbsp rum (or orange liqueur)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups warm milk
- 8 egg yolks
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted & cooled
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
For the Pan & Finish:
- Butter & breadcrumbs (for coating pan)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Raisins
- Rinse raisins, cover with boiling water, then drain.
- Soak in rum for 30+ mins (up to overnight).
2. Activate the Yeast
- Dissolve yeast in warm water + 1 tsp sugar. Let foam 10 mins.
3. Make the Dough
- In a mixer, combine butter, sugar, salt, milk, lemon zest, egg yolks, and yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in drained raisins.
4. First Rise
- Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Prepare the Pan
- Generously butter a Bundt pan and coat with breadcrumbs.
6. Second Rise
- Pour batter into pan (fill halfway).
- Let rise 45 mins until puffy.
7. Bake & Cool
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 mins (toothpick test).
- Cool 10 mins in pan, then invert onto a wire rack.
8. Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with citrus glaze.
Pro Tips
🔥 Test yeast freshness – It should foam within 10 mins
⏳ Slow rise for flavor – Refrigerate dough overnight for deeper taste
🍋 Zest hack – Use a microplane for fine, fragrant zest
FAQs
1. Can I skip the alcohol?
✅ Use orange juice or apple cider instead.
2. Why didn’t my dough rise?
- Yeast was old
- Liquid too hot (should be warm, not hot)
3. Can I use a loaf pan?
✅ Yes, but baking time may vary (~45–50 mins).
4. How to store leftovers?
- Room temp: 2 days (covered)
- Freeze: 1 month (wrap tightly)
5. Can I add nuts?
✅ Fold in ½ cup chopped almonds or walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Breakfast – Slice and toast with butter
🍷 Dessert – Serve with whipped cream and berries
🎁 Gifting – Wrap in parchment with a ribbon
Final Thoughts
This Babka Wielkanocna is Easter nostalgia in every slice—rich, fragrant, and beautifully golden. A true labor of love that’s worth every minute!
What’s your favorite holiday bread? Share below! 👇💛
Happy Baking! 🎉🐣
#PolishFood #EasterBaking #HolidayBread #YeastDough
