Sweet Braided Easter Tsoureki Recipe: A Festive Family Delight

Sweet aromas of orange and mahlepi waft through kitchens during tsoureki preparation, capturing the essence of Greek Easter bread with this authentic easter tsoureki recipe.

Generations have cherished this traditional braided delight passed down through family traditions.

Soft, rich, and subtly spiced, the bread speaks volumes about cultural heritage and culinary craftsmanship.

Delicate strands of dough intertwine, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

The distinctive flavors of mastic and mahlepi transport you to sun-drenched Greek landscapes.

Every bite tells a story of celebration and warmth.

Baking this bread connects you to centuries of Greek culinary wisdom, promising a delectable journey into Mediterranean baking.

Creative Changes For Easter Tsoureki

• Baking Brilliance: Smart Tips for Perfect Tsoureki
• Yeast Perfection: Ensure milk is lukewarm (100-110°F) to activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture every time.
• Dough Consistency Magic: Add flour gradually while kneading to achieve a silky, elastic dough that's not too sticky or dry – the secret to tender bread.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development and easier handling during shaping.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum to accommodate celiac or wheat-sensitive diets without sacrificing traditional taste.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with alternative spices like cardamom or vanilla extract for unique flavor profiles that still honor the classic Greek bread tradition.

Ways To Enjoy Easter Tsoureki

• Festive Family Centerpiece: Place the beautifully braided tsoureki as a stunning centerpiece during Easter dinner, surrounded by spring flowers and colorful decorations.
• Sweet Morning Companion: Slice the bread and serve alongside Greek coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful breakfast treat that celebrates holiday traditions.
• Gifting Tradition: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a ribbon, creating thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family during Easter celebrations.
• Cultural Dessert Pairing: Serve with traditional Greek preserves like cherry or bergamot marmalade, enhancing the bread's delicate flavors and adding a sweet touch to your Easter spread.

How To Keep Easter Tsoureki Fresh

• Wrap Tight: Shield your tsoureki in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness for 3-4 days at room temperature.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Extend bread life by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which keeps it delicious for up to a week without losing soft texture.
• Freezing Magic: Slice tsoureki before freezing, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen bread stays tasty for 2-3 months when sealed in freezer-safe bags.
• Revive & Refresh: Warm slightly in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original softness and bring back that fresh-baked aroma when serving stored bread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients To Make Easter Tsoureki

• Flour: Provides the foundational structure, choose high-protein bread flour for better texture and rise.
• Sugar: Enhances flavor and helps yeast activation, select fine granulated sugar for smooth integration.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten development, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Mahleb: Traditional Greek spice with cherry-like aroma, adds distinctive Middle Eastern complexity.
• Mastic: Unique resinous spice from Greek islands, brings subtle pine-like fragrance and authentic character.
• Orange Zest: Introduces bright citrusy notes, use fresh organic oranges for maximum aromatic impact.

• Milk: Creates softness and helps yeast activation, choose whole milk for richer texture.
• Eggs: Provide richness and help bind ingredients, use fresh room-temperature eggs for best results.
• Butter: Adds moisture and luxurious flavor, select unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Yeast: Enables dough rising, ensure fresh active dry yeast for reliable fermentation.

Kitchen Tools For Easter Tsoureki

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and mixing dough.
• Stand mixer with dough hook: Optional but helpful for kneading dough quickly and efficiently.
• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for shaping and baking the tsoureki.
• Small bowl: Used for activating yeast with warm milk and sugar.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Pastry brush: For applying egg wash to give golden sheen.
• Clean work surface: Floured area for kneading dough by hand.
• Towel or damp cloth: Covers dough during rising periods.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy transfer.

Making Easter Tsoureki In Steps

• Awaken the Yeast Magic

Mix warm milk with yeast and a touch of sweetness. Let the mixture bubble and dance for 10 minutes until it transforms into a frothy wonderland.

• Craft the Dough Masterpiece

Blend flour, sugar, aromatic spices, zesty orange hints, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Create a cozy nest in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture, silky eggs, and melted butter. Stir until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

• Knead with Love

Gently work the dough on a flour-dusted surface. Massage and stretch for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy. If using a mixer, let the dough hook do the dancing for 5-7 minutes.

• First Resting Period

Nestle the dough in a greased bowl, drape with a damp cloth, and let it luxuriate in a warm spot. Watch it double in size over 1.5-2 hours.

• Shape the Celebratory Braid

Gently deflate the dough and divide into three equal sections. Roll each piece into a long rope. Weave the ropes into a beautiful braid, tucking the ends underneath. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Final Rise

Cover the braided beauty with a soft towel. Allow it to puff up and become gloriously light for 30-45 minutes.

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm the oven to a cozy 350F (175C).

• Dress for the Occasion

Lovingly brush the braid with beaten egg for a sun-kissed glow. Sprinkle with sliced almonds. For a traditional touch, gently nestle red-dyed eggs into the braid.

• Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown. Tap the bottom – it should sound like a hollow drum.

• Embrace and Enjoy

Let the bread cool slightly, then slice and savor the delicious creation.

Authentic Easter Tsoureki Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Greek Easter bread tsoureki weaves cultural tradition with sweet, aromatic flavors from generations past. Delicate strands of enriched dough braided with care bring family memories to the table, inviting celebration and connection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (512 g) bread flour
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground mahleb
• ½ teaspoon ground mastic
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsps sliced almonds
• Red-dyed hard-boiled eggs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a hint of sugar, allowing the mixture to foam and develop for 10 minutes.
2. Dough Preparation: Merge flour, sweetener, mahleb, mastic, orange zest, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center, pour in the activated yeast, eggs, and melted butter. Combine ingredients until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
3. Kneading and First Rise: Work the dough on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook, kneading for 5-7 minutes until silky and pliable. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1½-2 hours.
4. Shaping and Second Rise: Punch down the dough and divide into three equal strands. Braid the strands, tucking ends underneath, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and allow a second rise for 30-45 minutes.
5. Preheating and Decoration: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Brush the braid with egg wash, sprinkle with sliced almonds, and optionally nestle red-dyed eggs into the braid.
6. Baking and Serving: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and producing a hollow sound when tapped. Cool completely before slicing and serving this traditional Greek delicacy.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Carefully: Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast microorganisms, which could halt bread rising process.
• Master Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by stretching and folding dough consistently, creating soft, elastic texture essential for tsoureki’s signature tender crumb.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F, covering with damp cloth to maintain moisture and prevent surface drying.
• Handle Delicate Braiding: Maintain even strand thickness when braiding to ensure uniform baking and professional-looking presentation, tucking ends neatly underneath to prevent unraveling during baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 68 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg