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
