Description
Tsoureki is a luxurious sweet bread packed with rich spices and zesty flavors, perfect for celebrating Easter or elevating any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 150 grams plain strong bread flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 14 grams dry active yeast (2 tablespoons)
- 250 ml warm water
- 1.5 kg plain strong bread flour
- 300 grams sugar
- 4 grams mastiha (ground)
- 3 teaspoons mahlepi
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 oranges (zest)
- 400 ml milk (room temperature)
- 4 eggs
- 250 grams melted unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 1 egg (for glazing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds and sliced almonds (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 150 grams of bread flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 14 grams of yeast. Add in 250 ml of warm water and mix until a thick paste forms. Let this sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 kg of strong bread flour, 300 grams of sugar, 4 grams of mastiha, 3 teaspoons of mahlepi, 1 teaspoon of cardamom, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together.
- Mix in the wet ingredients: Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, 400 ml of warm milk, 4 eggs, and 250 grams of melted butter. Add the zest of the oranges and 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence. Fold until combined.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust with extra flour if too sticky.
- First proof: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaves: Punch down the dough, turn it onto a floured surface, divide, and roll into long ropes. Braid or twist as desired.
- Second proof: Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Egg wash and bake: Mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush over the dough. Sprinkle with seeds or nuts. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the Tsoureki cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Tsoureki is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be toasted or served with butter and cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Tsoureki, Greek bread, Easter bread, sweet bread, traditional recipes