Hungarian Easter Sweet Bread (Húsvéti Kalács)
A traditional Hungarian Easter braided sweet bread with a soft, fluffy texture and lightly sweet flavor, perfect for festive occasions or everyday enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 200 ml milk, lukewarm
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional: raisins or lemon zest
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast evenly.
- Add lukewarm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 3–4 equal parts. Roll into ropes.
- Braid the ropes and place on a lined baking tray.
- Cover and let rest for 20–30 minutes.
- Brush with beaten egg and add optional toppings.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure milk is lukewarm to properly activate yeast.
- Avoid adding too much flour to keep bread soft.
- You can add raisins or citrus zest for extra flavor.
- Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
