Finnish Easter Bread

Name: Finnish Easter Bread
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 20
Cuisine: American

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"Finnish Easter Bread – Paasiaisleipa, from the Karelian region, is a delicious sweet, egg rich bread perfect to celebrate the Easter Holiday."

-- @chefmireille

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Prep time 2hrs 20mins

Cook time 1hr

Serves or Makes: 20

Recipe Card

Step 1
In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of the milk and water. Heat in a microwave or saucepan until lukewarm (110 – 115 F). Sprinkle yeast on top and leave for 5 minutes, until foamy.
Step 2
Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer. Add 1 3/4 cups of the flour and blend until smooth.Cover with a kitchen towel. Leave for about 45 minutes, until risen.
Step 3
Beat the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Add to risen flour-yeast mixture. Add salt, cardamom, orange, lemon zest, raisins and almonds. Mix well. Add butter. Mix well. An extra cup of milk should have been added at this point.
Step 4
Add the remaining flour a little at a time. Using a dough hook, knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 5
Place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with greased plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Leave to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 6
Place in a greased bundt pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and leave to rise until the dough has risen to the top, about 1 hour.
Step 7
Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a high bundt pan with non stick spray. Bake for 1 hour, until golden brown. Leave in pan for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
Step 8
Meanwhile make the icing by mixing the sugar and the water. Mix until thoroughly combined. Pour over bread.
Step 9
Let cool completely before slicing and serving.