Tsoureki is a traditional Greek sweet bread I love making for Easter or any special gathering. It bakes up soft, fluffy, lightly sweet, and beautifully fragrant with mahleb and orange zest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because the bread feels festive but still comforting and homemade. The dough becomes tender and airy, while the egg wash and sliced almonds give the loaf a golden, bakery-style finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
500 g bread flour
3 large eggs
100 g butter, melted
120 g sugar
7 g dry yeast
1 tsp ground mahleb or vanilla
120 ml warm milk
1 tsp orange zest
1 egg, for egg wash
30 g sliced almonds
Directions
I dissolve the dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until activated.
I combine the bread flour, sugar, and ground mahleb or vanilla in a large bowl.
Then I add the eggs, melted butter, orange zest, and activated yeast mixture.
I knead everything until a smooth, soft dough forms.
I cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Next I divide the dough into equal strands and braid them neatly.
I place the braided dough on a lined baking tray.
After that I brush the top with beaten egg wash and sprinkle sliced almonds over it.
I bake it at 180°C for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and fully baked.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes use vanilla instead of mahleb for a softer, simpler flavor. I also like adding a little lemon zest with the orange zest for extra brightness. For a sweeter finish, I can drizzle the cooled bread with a light sugar glaze.
Storage/Reheating
I store Tsoureki in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. I reheat slices gently in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven until soft again. I can also freeze the bread, well wrapped, for up to 2 months.
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FAQs
Can I make Tsoureki without mahleb?
Yes, I can use vanilla instead. The flavor will be different, but the bread will still be delicious.
Why is my dough not rising?
I make sure the milk is warm, not hot, and I check that the yeast is fresh.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I can let the dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight, then shape and bake it the next day.
How do I know when Tsoureki is fully baked?
I look for a deep golden color and a loaf that sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I add filling to Tsoureki?
Yes, I can add chocolate spread, cinnamon sugar, or chopped nuts before braiding.
Conclusion
Tsoureki is a beautiful sweet bread I enjoy making when I want something soft, fragrant, and festive. With its braided shape, golden crust, and delicate citrus aroma, it always feels special on the table.
📖 Recipe:
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Tsoureki
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tsoureki is a soft, fluffy Greek sweet bread with a delicate citrus aroma and subtle spice from mahleb. Its golden crust and tender interior make it perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
500 g bread flour
3 large eggs
100 g butter, melted
120 g sugar
7 g dry yeast
120 ml warm milk
1 tsp ground mahleb or vanilla
1 tsp orange zest
1 egg, for egg wash
30 g sliced almonds
Instructions
- Dissolve the dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until activated.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and ground mahleb or vanilla.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, orange zest, and activated yeast mixture.
- Knead until a smooth, soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into equal strands and braid them.
- Place the braided dough on a lined baking tray.
- Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and fully baked.
Notes
Use vanilla instead of mahleb for a milder flavor.
Add lemon zest along with orange zest for extra brightness.
Drizzle with a light sugar glaze for a sweeter finish.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Freeze well-wrapped for up to 2 months.
Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
