The Fluffiest Easter Tsoureki Recipe for Your Holiday Table

Crafting an authentic greek easter tsoureki weaves together generations of culinary tradition with delightful sweetness.

Soft, aromatic bread emerges from kitchen counters across greece during holiday celebrations.

Fragrant orange zest and mahlepi spices dance through delicate dough, creating memories that linger beyond each bite.

Rich butter and eggs blend into a tender crumb that whispers stories of family gatherings.

Braided with care and adorned with vibrant red eggs, this bread symbolizes renewal and hope.

Mastering tsoureki connects you to centuries of greek cultural heritage.

Join me in recreating this beloved easter treasure that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

How To Bake Easter Tsoureki At Home

Step 1: Awaken The Yeast

Grab some warm milk and sprinkle yeast with a touch of sugar. Let this magical mixture sit and bubble for about 10 minutes until it looks wonderfully frothy.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Dough Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Mahleb
• Mastic
• Orange zest
• Salt

Create a cozy center well and pour in the activated yeast, whisked eggs, and melted butter. Stir everything until a soft, fragrant dough emerges.

Step 3: Massage The Dough

Spread some flour on your work surface and lovingly knead the dough. Spend 8-10 minutes transforming it into a smooth, elastic masterpiece. If you prefer, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: First Resting Period

Nestle the dough into a greased bowl, drape a damp cloth over it, and let it rest in a warm, cozy spot. Allow it to rise and double in size over 1½-2 hours.

Step 5: Craft Beautiful Braid

Gently deflate the dough and divide it into three equal sections. Roll each piece into a long 16-inch rope. Weave these ropes into a beautiful braid, tucking the ends underneath. Transfer your creation onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rising Moment

Cover the braided masterpiece with a soft towel. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it looks delightfully puffy.

Step 7: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Add Golden Touches

Lovingly brush the dough with beaten egg to create a stunning golden sheen. Sprinkle sliced almonds across the top. For a traditional twist, gently nestle red-dyed eggs into the braid.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the tsoureki into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color. Tap the bread – if it sounds hollow, it’s ready!

Step 10: Serve With Love

Allow the tsoureki to cool slightly, then slice and share this delectable Greek bread with family and friends.

Pro Tips For Beautifully Braided Easter Tsoureki

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, creating the ideal environment for a frothy, active starter that guarantees soft, fluffy bread.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates a stretchy, smooth dough that will rise beautifully and give tsoureki its signature tender texture.
• Master the Rise: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or wrapped in a warm towel to help it rise evenly and double in size without drying out.
• Customize Your Braid: Experiment with different braiding techniques or add personal touches like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to make your tsoureki uniquely delicious.
• Preserve Freshness: Store tsoureki wrapped in plastic or airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to enjoy this traditional Greek Easter bread anytime.

How To Store Easter Tsoureki Without Drying It Out

• Preserve your delicious tsoureki's freshness by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container.
• Keep the bread at room temperature for 2-3 days, enjoying its soft texture and rich flavor.
• Refrigeration is not recommended as it can dry out the delicate crumb and diminish the bread's signature softness.
• For longer storage, freeze the tsoureki for up to one month – wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag to maintain its quality.
• Thaw the bread at room temperature for several hours before serving, gently warming it in the oven for a just-baked taste and aroma.
• Pro tip: Slice the bread before freezing to make future servings more convenient and quick to enjoy.

What To Enjoy With Easter Tsoureki

• Complement with Citrusy Wine Pairing: Serve tsoureki alongside a crisp Greek white wine like Assyrtiko, which mirrors the bread's orange zest notes and provides a refreshing counterbalance to the sweet, rich texture.
• Enhance with Aromatic Coffee: Enjoy this traditional Greek Easter bread with a strong Greek coffee or freddo espresso, letting the robust coffee flavors highlight the bread's delicate spices like mahleb and mastic.
• Match with Mediterranean Preserves: Accompany tsoureki with sour cherry preserves (vissinó) or traditional orange marmalade, which complement the bread's subtle sweetness and add a tangy flavor dimension.
• Create Breakfast Harmony: Pair the bread with soft, mild cheeses like anthotyro or fresh ricotta, creating a balanced morning meal that showcases the tsoureki's delicate spice profile and tender texture.

Tasty Variations For Easter Tsoureki Bakers

• Chocolate Marble Tsoureki: Swirl rich dark chocolate into the dough for a decadent flavor profile that adds depth and excitement to the traditional Greek bread.
• Nutty Citrus Infusion: Incorporate chopped pistachios and lemon zest into the dough, creating a vibrant and crunchy version that brightens the classic recipe.
• Spiced Fruit Tsoureki: Mix dried cranberries and a touch of cinnamon throughout the dough, transforming the bread into a warmly spiced festive treat.
• Savory Herb Edition: Replace sugar with herbs like rosemary and thyme, turning the sweet bread into a sophisticated savory companion for cheese and charcuterie boards.

Your Questions About Easter Tsoureki Answered

• What makes tsoureki a special Easter bread in Greek culture?

Tsoureki is a traditional Greek sweet bread deeply connected to Easter celebrations, symbolizing resurrection and new beginnings. Its unique flavor comes from mahleb and mastic spices, which give it a distinctive aromatic taste that represents the joy of the holiday.

• Why do Greeks often include red-dyed eggs in the tsoureki braid?

The red eggs symbolize the blood of Christ and represent renewal and life. They are a powerful Christian symbol traditionally embedded in the bread, signifying Christ’s resurrection and serving as a meaningful cultural and religious tradition during Easter.

• What gives tsoureki its distinctive flavor profile?

The combination of mahleb (ground cherry kernel spice) and mastic (resin from Greek island trees) creates the bread’s unique, slightly sweet and aromatic taste. These traditional spices are essential to authentic Greek tsoureki, providing a complex and memorable flavor that sets it apart from other sweet breads.

• Is tsoureki difficult to make for home bakers?

While tsoureki requires some patience and technique, it’s achievable for intermediate bakers. The key is understanding the yeast activation, proper kneading, and allowing sufficient rising time. With practice, home bakers can successfully create this beautiful braided bread that looks impressive and tastes delicious.

Why Easter Tsoureki Is A Soft, Sweet Holiday Classic

• Celebrate Cultural Heritage: Dive into the rich Greek tradition with this authentic Easter tsoureki, a sweet bread that connects you to generations of family baking memories and cultural celebration.
• Master Easy Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this recipe offers simple step-by-step instructions that make creating a beautiful braided bread accessible and enjoyable.
• Create Festive Family Moments: Engage kids and relatives in the bread-making process, from braiding the dough to adding colorful red eggs, turning cooking into a fun, memorable Easter experience.
• Embrace Unique Flavor Profile: Enjoy the distinctive taste of mahleb and mastic spices that give this bread a special Mediterranean aroma, transforming an ordinary recipe into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

What Goes Into Easter Tsoureki

• Flour: Provides the main structure and texture of the traditional Greek Easter bread.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Yeast: Essential for making the bread rise and creating a soft, airy texture.

• Mahleb, Mastic: Traditional Greek spices that give a unique, fragrant flavor to the bread.
• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the tsoureki.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Eggs, Butter, Milk: Create a rich, tender bread with a soft crumb.
• Sliced Almonds: Provides a crunchy topping and decorative element.
• Red-Dyed Eggs: A symbolic traditional Easter decoration, optional but culturally significant.

Easter Tsoureki Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Greek Easter bread tsoureki weaves magical traditions from Mediterranean kitchens into a sweet, fragrant celebration of heritage. Delicate braided dough enriched with mahlepi and mastiha spices promises festive moments that connect generations of Greek families.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup warm milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground mahleb
• ½ teaspoon ground mastic
• Zest of 1 orange

Finishing and Garnish:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• Red-dyed hard-boiled eggs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by dissolving it in tepid milk, blending with a touch of sugar. Allow the mixture to transform into a frothy, bubbling elixir for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Craft a flavor foundation by combining flour, sweetener, aromatic mahleb, fragrant mastic, vibrant orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Create a central crater and introduce the effervescent yeast mixture, whisked eggs, and liquefied butter. Gently integrate ingredients until a supple, cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly dusted surface and knead with rhythmic motions. Work the dough persistently for 8-10 minutes, developing a smooth, elastic texture. Alternatively, utilize a stand mixer with a dough hook, churning on medium velocity for 5-7 minutes.
4. Nestle the dough into a generously greased receptacle, drape with a moisture-laden cloth, and position in a nurturing, warm environment. Allow the dough to luxuriate and expand, nearly doubling its original volume within 112-2 hours.
5. Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch. Segment into three equal portions, rolling each into elongated 16-inch strands. Intertwine the ropes in a delicate braid, carefully tucking the extremities underneath. Carefully transfer the woven loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Envelop the braided creation with a soft towel, permitting a second rise of 30-45 minutes until it becomes subtly voluminous.
7. Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a warm sanctuary for the soon-to-be tsoureki.
8. Apply a lustrous egg wash, transforming the surface to a golden hue. Cascade sliced almonds across the top. For a traditional flourish, delicately nestle crimson-hued eggs into the braid’s crevices.
9. Commit the tsoureki to the heated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes. Seek a rich golden-brown complexion and listen for a hollow percussion when gently tapped.
10. Extract the tsoureki, allowing it to descend to ambient temperature. Slice and serve this aromatic Greek delicacy, celebrating its intricate layers and festive spirit.

Notes

• Create a stable yeast environment by ensuring the milk is warm (not hot) to activate without killing the yeast.
• Add extra flavor complexity by toasting mahleb and mastic before mixing into the dough for deeper aromatic notes.
• Adjust rising times based on kitchen temperature, using a warm draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
• Customize the bread by experimenting with alternative toppings such as pearl sugar, sesame seeds, or orange-infused powdered sugar for different textures and flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg