03/04/2026
TSOUREKI - GREEK EASTER BREAD
Tsoureki, a sweet bread traditionally baked during Orthodox Easter, embodies the spirit of unity and celebration, its three-strand braid symbolizing the Holy Trinity. God (Father), Christ (Son) & the Holy Spirit.
Makes 2 Tsourekia
Ingredients:
Yeast
25 grams dry yeast
2 tbsp caster sugar
1/3 cup lukewarm water.
Dough:
7 cups bread flour (high protein flour - lighthouse bread flour)
200 grams of unsulted butter (room temperature)
3 eggs
1 egg (egg wash)
1 & 1/2 cups of caster sugar
1 & 1/2 cups milk
3/4 tsp of ground mastic
2 tsp ground Machlepi (Mahleb)
Zest from 1 Orange
Almond flakes
Equipment:
Electric Mixer
2-3 Bowls
Saucepan
Method:
Prepare the yeast
Place yeast into a bowl add lukewarm water & sugar. Lightly stir then allow to activate for around 5-10 minutes, should look frothy.
Place butter & caster sugar into a saucepan & over low heat, stir until the butter has melted & has incorporated with the sugar (around 1-2 minutes) then remove from heat.
Whisk eggs in another seperate bowl, add the milk, mix until well combined. Pour egg mixture into the melted butter mixture & mix until well combined.
Pour flour into mixing bowl, then the activated yeast, ground mahlepi, orange zest, ground mastic & the melted butter mixture into the mixing bow.
Using the dough hook, mix for 10 minutes. Dough should look soft, stretchy & strong, not sticky. Remove dough from mixing bowl, transfer into a large bowl cover with glad wrap & set aside for 1-2 hours within room temperature environment until dough doubles in size.
Once risen, transfer onto kitchen counter & cut dough into 2 round balls. Cut each ball into 3 equal sized pieces & roll into strands. Press the 3 strands down on one side & braid them together. Turn the edges underneath the braid on both sides.
Transfer each Tsoureki onto baking tray lined with baking paper. Cover with tea towel & set aside to allow to rise for around 1 hour. (room temp)
Preheat your oven at 150 Degrees.
When risen, whisk 1 egg & brush egg wash over tsoureki. Sprinkle almond flakes if desired.
Place in oven & bake for 45 minutes.
Serve warm or once cooled, wrap some plastic wrap around the Tsoureki to keep it soft.