Name: Kulich (Russian Easter Bread)
Yield: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sugar plus a pinch; 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter; Pinch of saffron threads, crumbled; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (from a 1/4-oz package); 1/4 cup lukewarm water (105–115°F); 6 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting; 4 large eggs; 2 (5- to 6-cup) soufflé dishes or 2 (2-pound) cleaned empty coffee cans

Photo by Anna Williams

A cross between brioche and challah, this bread is a lightly sweetened, egg-glazed cylinder, often baked in a coffee can to make a tall loaf. The kulich would sit proudly in the center of the family Easter basket, surrounded by meats, cheeses, butter, and eggs. It's a central part of the Easter meal, served with sweet paskha cheese or unsalted butter.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

113 of Our Best Bread Recipes
Savory or sweet, 3-day project or 1-hour quick loaf, whatever kind of bread you want to bake, it's here.
The Charming Easter Breads That Are Baked in Tin Cans
A Russian Easter tradition, sweet, brioche-like kulich are iced with a sugary glaze and decorated with flowers, candy sprinkles, or nuts.
61 Great Easter Breads and Cakes
Celebrate spring with a freshly baked seasonal treat.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Recipe notes

113 of Our Best Bread Recipes

The Charming Easter Breads That Are Baked in Tin Cans

61 Great Easter Breads and Cakes