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Home » Recipes » Dish Type » Baked Goods » Breads » Bread Machine Recipes

Paska Bread Recipe (Bread Machine)

Published: Mar 22, 2017 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Apr 8, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

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bread machine paska in white casserole dish
Bread Maker Paska |Traditional Ukrainian Easter bread - foodmeanderings.com

It was a beautiful summer day when I got the call from my Mom asking me to come home. She didn't want to tell me over the phone. I was over at a friend's house watching "The Shining." I already knew what she was going to say, so I stayed and watched the rest of the movie. l didn't want to hear it because then it would be real.

Ukrainian Easter bread Paska

Baba never seemed to care about being fat or losing weight. And if she did, I never heard her talk about it. From my grandkid perspective, she was just perfect and exactly like a Baba should be - round, pudgy and huggable. She was also an amazing baker. Every Easter Baba made Ukrainian Easter Bread (this Paska bread recipe) and that Easter was no exception. It was something I ate with abandon and without the remorse of middle age.

Jump to:
  • 🍞Bread Machine Paska Recipe
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions (for decorating Paska)
  • 💭 Top tip
  • 🍽 Equipment
  • 👪 Serving Size
  • 🌡️Storage
  • ❔Frequently Asked Questions
  • ⭐ Reviews
  • 📋 Paska Bread Recipe (Bread Machine)
  • 🍽 Ukrainian Recipes!

🍞Bread Machine Paska Recipe

Paska bread is the only homemade bread I have ever made. And the amount of work that went into it was exhausting! It was truly a labor of love. BUT it's really a lot of unnecessary punching down and waiting and kneading and waiting and well, you get the picture. Since I discovered I can make traditional Paska bread with a bread machine, I don't plan on making it by hand ever again. Why do all that labor and waste all that time when the bread maker can do it on your behalf? I'm guessing Baba would have done the same, given the opportunity. I also make my Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread (shown below) the same way now!

2 loaves of Babka Ukrainian Easter Bread on a black tray with Ukrainian Easter eggs in front

I often hear people talk about bread being a weakness; that was never the case for me. Don't get me wrong, I have many weaknesses when it comes to food (and let's not forget wine) but bread isn't up there at the top of that list. Except when Easter rolled around and the Paska bread came out. Then everything changed....

🥘 Ingredients

Paska bread ingredients (bread maker):

  • egg
  • water
  • milk powder
  • white granulated sugar
  • vegetable oil
  • butter
  • salt
  • all-purpose flour
  • bread machine yeast

*See recipe card for quantities

🔪 Instructions (for decorating Paska)

  1. When dough cycle is finished, remove dough from the bread machine. Set aside enough dough to create the decorations to be placed on top (* Note: I set aside about ⅙ of the dough, but it will be more or less depending on the decorations you make)
  2. Shape the rest of the dough into a round loaf and place in a greased (with vegetable shortening), round shallow pan. Depending on the size you use, you may need to use more than one pan.
  3. Decorations: decorate the loaves with the dough previously set aside. The central ornament on pasta is usually a cross. Roll the strips of dough approximately ¼- ½ inch in diameter. Here are some ideas:

*See recipe card for full instructions

drawing of decorations for paska bread

💭 Top tip

If ornaments are browning too quickly, cover very loosely with aluminum foil or parchment paper. 

🍽 Equipment

For this bread maker paska, you are going to need a bread machine (affiliate link) for this recipe.

Ukrainian Paska

👪 Serving Size

This Easter Paska bread recipe is for a 1 lb bread maker and makes about 10 servings/slices.

🌡️Storage

  • This traditional Easter bread can be stored, at room temperature, in a sealed container, for up to 4 days. *I find that putting it in the fridge dries it out faster
  • Freezing: This bread Machine Paska freezes really well. The best way to prep it for freezing is to wrap it in plastic wrap (I use Glad press n' seal wrap) and place it in a Ziplock freezer bag. It will last for at least 3 months in your freezer.

Paska is a delicious bread and a great accompaniment to any Easter meal. If you are looking for Easter brunch ideas for Easter morning, check out my Easter Brunch Menu~!

❔Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference Between Paska & Babka

Paska and Babka are both traditional Ukrainian Easter breads. Paska is baked in a large round baking dish (like a casserole dish) decorated on the top with religious symbols including crosses, and other designs representing aspects of Orthodox and Eastern Catholic faith, as well as flowers and braids. It is a slightly sweet bread, but not as sweet as Babka.
Babka is traditionally tall and cylindrical, often baked in coffee cans. It is a slightly sweeter and more delicate bread and often has raisins added to the dough.

Baba never made it to the annual Mother's Day Brunch that year. Then she spent what felt like an eternity in the hospital in a coma. She was 66. I was 12. That call I received from my Mom on that beautiful sunny summer day fundamentally altered me. It altered me in a way that only losing someone you love can, as you desperately try to pack the wound, then spend the rest of your life trying to fill that scarred and hollow space with something that gives you even an inkling of pleasure. But I didn't know how to fill it because I was just a kid. So I floundered.

Had I known that Easter would have been my last Easter eating her Ukrainian Easter bread, I would have eaten even more, I would have savored every bite, but most importantly, I would have hugged her even that much tighter and longer.

There are obvious disadvantages to being a great baker.

I later found out that she had a stroke and was not in the greatest of health for quite some time leading up to it. She was an uncontrolled Type 2 diabetic, likely never exercised a day in her life and loved to eat the naughty and delicious things she created. And although I know my family history, the importance of exercise and healthy eating, have my own concerns about my weight, it still takes a lot of will power to practice moderation and not indulge in too much of my own baking.

That hollow, scarred space still aches and echoes at times, but I have learned how to fill it with some pleasurable things, like making this Easter bread recipe every year and sharing it with my kids. It has become a family tradition. And each and every time those flaky Paska morsels meet my taste buds, they wrap around me in a really long, tight Baba hug. And for that moment in time, I put aside the worry about weight, indulge in too much Ukrainian Easter bread and savor every last bite.

So if you are looking for an easy way to make Paska bread, then give my family recipe for Ukrainian Paska recipe a try!

And check out my Ukrainian Ornamental Dove Tutorial HERE!

Ukrainian Easter Doves made of bread decorating a loaf of paska in basket (with candle in the middle)

Bread Machine Kolach-Ukrainian Christmas bread

Kolach Ukrainian Christmas Bread on black platter with Ukrainian candle in the middle and Christmas decorations in the background

⭐ Reviews

Did you make this recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

Here's what others are saying: "I made your bread for the first time. Like you, I long for my grandmother and her baking. I pray I make her proud by trying and keep her memory alive. She was my best friend and miss her terribly. The smell radiating from my oven melts my soul. Thank you dear friend."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Paska bread in a round white casserole dish on red patterned surface
Food Meandering Logo

📋 Paska Bread Recipe (Bread Machine)

This easy Bread Machine Paska bread, a traditional Ukrainian Easter Bread, is made in your bread machine, then decorated with simple decorations and baked for a short time.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Keyword: bread, bread machine, paska, Ukrainian
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 246kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup water, approximately
  • 2 tablespoon milk powder
  • 3 ½ tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon breadmaker/breadmachine yeast regular
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Break egg into a 2 cup measuring cup and add enough water to make 1 ½ cups. Beat well and place in bread machine. Add milk powder, sugar, melted butter, oil, salt, flour and yeast.
  • Set bread machine to dough cycle and press start. 
    When finished, remove dough from the machine. Divide dough by setting aside enough dough to create the decorations to be placed on top (* Note: I set aside about ⅙ of the dough, but it will be more or less depending on the decorations you make)
  • Shape the rest of the dough into a round loaf and place in a greased (with vegetable shortening), round shallow pan. Depending on the size you use, you may need to use more than one pan.
  • Decorations: decorate the loaves with the dough previously set aside.The central ornament on pasta is usually a cross. Roll the strips of dough approximately ¼- ½ inch in diameter. Here are some ideas:
    drawing of decorations for paska bread
  • Set the loaves in a warm place and let the dough rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Carefully watch the ornaments while rising so that it does not get out of shape. The shape can be corrected by gently inserting a wooden toothpick or cake tester, along the side of the ornamentation that has risen too much.
  • Before baking brush the top of the Paska with a beaten egg diluted with 1 tablespoon of water (which I forgot to do in the photo) * It's not absolutely necessary, but it's just not as shiny.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F/175 degrees C for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown. * If ornaments are browning too quickly, cover very loosely with tinfoil or parchment paper. 
  • Cool in pans for approximately ten minutes before gently removing. Cool on a wire cooling rack. 

Notes

*See post content for important recipe information and tips!
Nutrition Facts
📋 Paska Bread Recipe (Bread Machine)
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 246 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 24mg8%
Sodium 266mg12%
Potassium 85mg2%
Carbohydrates 43g14%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 108IU2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 25mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 246kcal (12%) | Carbohydrates: 43g (14%) | Protein: 6g (12%) | Fat: 5g (8%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg (8%) | Sodium: 266mg (12%) | Potassium: 85mg (2%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 5g (6%) | Vitamin A: 108IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 25mg (3%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sugarlovespices

    March 24, 2017 at 8:23 am

    It still hurts, also for me, the hollow space in my heart that belongs to my nonna. She died 3 years ago, at 95, so I guess I had more time with her than you, but time is never enough, and I was away, here in Canada, when it happened. Like you, I make her favorite food to keep her alive, I make fettuccine, and all the homemade pasta. This is a beautiful bread, full of love and memories, and it is great that it is so easy to make, now, with a bread maker!

    Reply
    • Food Meanderings

      March 24, 2017 at 6:47 pm

      Thank you. I'm so sorry for your loss... and you are right- it is never enough time. Food really does keep loved ones living on. I'm grateful we at least have this 🙂

      Reply
  2. sugarlovespices

    March 24, 2017 at 8:23 am

    It still hurts, also for me, the hollow space in my heart that belongs to my nonna. She died 3 years ago, at 95, so I guess I had more time with her than you, but time is never enough, and I was away, here in Canada, when it happened. Like you, I make her favorite food to keep her alive, I make fettuccine, and all the homemade pasta. This is a beautiful bread, full of love and memories, and it is great that it is so easy to make, now, with a bread maker!

    Reply
    • Food Meanderings

      March 24, 2017 at 6:47 pm

      Thank you. I'm so sorry for your loss... and you are right- it is never enough time. Food really does keep loved ones living on. I'm grateful we at least have this 🙂

      Reply
  3. Nicole | Culinary Cool

    March 24, 2017 at 9:16 am

    I love Paska more than any other bread. It's popular back home In Winnipeg, but here in Saskatchewan I never really see it. Baba buys hers now, but I still make it from time to time - but we make ours with raisins.

    Reply
    • Food Meanderings

      March 24, 2017 at 6:51 pm

      I am from Wpg too, Nicole, and yes, it was popular! That's interesting that you don't see it in Saskatchewan, with their big Ukrainian population. My Baba put raisins in her Babka, which I also make (I like it too, but it's a bit sweeter). I usually make both every year. I have a bread maker recipe for that too!

      Reply
  4. Nicole | Culinary Cool

    March 24, 2017 at 9:16 am

    I love Paska more than any other bread. It's popular back home In Winnipeg, but here in Saskatchewan I never really see it. Baba buys hers now, but I still make it from time to time - but we make ours with raisins.

    Reply
    • Food Meanderings

      March 24, 2017 at 6:51 pm

      I am from Wpg too, Nicole, and yes, it was popular! That's interesting that you don't see it in Saskatchewan, with their big Ukrainian population. My Baba put raisins in her Babka, which I also make (I like it too, but it's a bit sweeter). I usually make both every year. I have a bread maker recipe for that too!

      Reply
      • Shirley

        April 14, 2017 at 1:15 pm

        lots of people here in Saskatchewan make Paska, I am not Ukrainian but my sisterinlaw is and one of my sisters Motherinlaw was Ukrainian .. SO I leaqrned how to make it from... The Western Producer Recipe page, and I have had my SIL tell me it was prizewinningdelicious ! Now I make it every year... today is the day, still waiting in between additions and will soon be time to get the pans all ready. I decorate mine with crosses and braids around the top outside edge of the loaves. This year I will also make flowers for the centers of a couple loaves. As well I have some spaghetti tins that will make a small loaf, I will give them wrapped as a gift to take home for our guests. Happy Easter !

        Reply
        • Terri Gilson

          April 14, 2017 at 9:24 pm

          Hi Shirley: Spaghetti tins for small loaves is brilliant! I need to try that. And what a wonderful gift for your guests.
          Happy Easter to you too!

          Reply
  5. Colleen Milne

    March 29, 2017 at 5:29 pm

    Aren't grandmothers wonderful. How lucky you were to have had your Baba in your life and all the special memories, like this bread, to cherish. I understand that empty place, as many of us do. I was very close to my Gramma, who died at age 97, and I still miss her. Food is a great way to feel connected and remember the good times. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      March 29, 2017 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks, Colleen. I don't think the missing ever ends, but at least the pain becomes a little less acute. And we are so fortunate to have these traditional foods - such an amazing way to stay connected.

      Reply
  6. Kristy Marzo

    March 30, 2018 at 6:27 pm

    I made your bread for the first time. Like you, I long for my grandmother and her baking. I pray I make her proud by trying and keep her memory alive. She was my best friend and miss her terrible. The smell radiating from my oven melts my soul. Thank you dear friend.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      March 30, 2018 at 10:27 pm

      Hi Kristy, I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much and it helped you connect to such special memories of your dear grandmother 🙂
      Happy Easter!

      Reply
  7. Christina

    April 26, 2019 at 10:00 pm

    I have a question. Can u finish the entire Paska in the bread machine? I don’t have an oven big enough to bake bread in. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 27, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Hi Christina,
      No you cannot, as this makes dough for several loaves. It just wouldn't work. How big is your oven? Is it a toaster oven or something like that?

      Reply
  8. Christine

    April 12, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    Hi Terri,

    This is the first time I’ve made your bread and I followed the instructions, except I didn’t have any milk powder. I used my bread machine as directed (1-1/2 hours) but the dough didn’t rise. Do you have any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 13, 2020 at 7:57 am

      Hi Christine: Did you skip the milk entirely? If so, yeah, I'm not surprised it didn't rise. In the absence of milk powder, I would completely skip the water and try using 1 cup of milk instead. Good luck and I'd love to hear how it turns out!

      Reply
  9. April L.

    April 01, 2021 at 12:23 am

    Hi there, Just a quick question, what size bread machine will this recipe work for? I only have a small one (1 lb) and am wondering if I should half the recipe? Thanks for your quick response as I want to begin to make this soon!!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 01, 2021 at 1:01 am

      Hi April,
      Yes, this is for a 1 lb bread machine- that's what I have.
      Enjoy!
      Terri

      Reply
  10. Carolyn

    April 03, 2021 at 4:26 am

    Where does the 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil come in? I’m hoping it was just to grease the pan because I didn’t add it and my bread is in the oven now.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 03, 2021 at 7:16 am

      Hi Carolyn: I posted this recipe over 4 years ago and you are the first person to point that out. I can't believe it's gone unnoticed until now! I'm sorry, but it was meant to go in the dough - I missed it in the directions. However, it really won't make a huge difference- it would be a wee bit moister with the oil. I have never had a complaint and hundreds of people have made it.
      Thanks
      Terri

      Reply
  11. Alan Hough

    April 14, 2022 at 5:44 pm

    Thank you for the Paska Easter bread recipe. I made the dough in my breadmaker, as I do with all my breads, and baked it in the oven. It turned out to be a beautiful loaf. I just have to work on my decorations.
    I increased the yeast to 2 teaspoons for 4 cups flour due to my experience with New Zealand flour and yeast and it proved perfectly.
    Christine, the failure to rise is either the yeast is stale or increase to 2 teaspoons.
    Make sure it is breadmaker yeast as it contains an improver.

    As I made this bread my heart and prayers went out to the Ukraine people.
    Thank you once again.
    Alan
    Bethlehem
    New Zealand

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 16, 2022 at 9:38 pm

      Hi Alan,
      I'm so glad it turned out perfectly for you!
      And thank you for your kind words and prayers!
      Terri

      Reply

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I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer and a busy working mom that is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

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