Celebrate the Easter season with this traditional and mouthwatering Kraffin bread – a sweet, soft, and aromatic treat that will become a cherished addition to your holiday table. This recipe combines the warmth of freshly baked bread with delightful citrus notes and sweet raisins.

Young and Healthy with this Daily Habit

Ingredients

For the  Starter

• Active dry yeast: 7 g (2¼ teaspoons)
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
•  Flour: 1 tablespoon
• Milk: 80 ml (⅓ cup)

For the Dough

• Eggs: 2 large
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Sugar: 100 g (½ cup)
• Butter: 40 g (3 tablespoons)
• Orange juice: 60 ml (¼ cup)
• Orange zest: From 1 orange
• All-purpose flour: 400 g (3¼ cups)

Filling

• Butter: 80 g (6 tablespoons), divided
• Raisins: 80 g (½ cup), divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the starter:
   • Mix yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and milk
   • Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy
2. Make the dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, salt, 100g sugar
   • Add butter, orange juice, and orange zest
   • Incorporate the starter mixture
3. Add flour:
   • Gradually add flour in several stages
   • Knead until you have a soft, smooth dough
4. First Rise:
   • Place dough in a warm place
   • Let rise for 40-60 minutes
5. Prepare Filling:
   • Divide dough into 2 equal parts
   • For each part, spread with 40g butter
   • Sprinkle 40g raisins
6. Shape the Bread:
   • Roll each dough portion
   • Cut lengthwise, leaving about 4 cm uncut at the bottom
   • Braid or twist the dough
7. Second Rise:
   • Let shaped bread rest in a warm place for 40 minutes
   • Preheat oven to 170°C (338°F)
8. Bake:
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes
   • Cool slightly
   • Dust with powdered sugar

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Protein: 5-6g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fat: 10-12g

Cooking Tips

• Ensure yeast is fresh and active
• Use warm (not hot) milk for the starter
• Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm area
• Don’t overmix the dough to keep it tender

Variations

• Replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts
• Add almond extract for additional flavor
• Use lemon zest instead of orange for variation