Traditional Tsoureki Recipe: How to Make Greek Sweet Bread at Home

Introduction

Tsoureki is a traditional Greek sweet bread known for its soft, fluffy texture and delicious, slightly sweet flavor. This braided bread, typically made during Greek Easter, is often flavored with orange zest and mahlab, a unique spice. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this Tsoureki recipe is sure to impress. In this post, we’ll show you how to make this delicious Greek bread at home, step-by-step!

What is Tsoureki? A Look at the Traditional Greek Sweet Bread

Tsoureki is a traditional Greek bread with a rich history, especially tied to Greek Easter. It is a sweet bread that’s soft, slightly sweet, and slightly spiced. The bread is typically braided into a beautiful loaf, often decorated with a red Easter egg in the center.

Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and yeast, Tsoureki stands out with its unique flavor profile, thanks to the addition of orange zest and mahlab (a spice made from cherry pits). This sweet braided bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even paired with your favorite spreads.

For a fun twist on traditional cakes, try my Perfect Basbousa: A Traditional Middle Eastern Cake Recipe

Essential Ingredients for Tsoureki

To make Tsoureki, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs (1 for the dough, 1 for egg wash)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon mahlab (optional, but recommended for the authentic flavor)
• 1 red Easter egg (optional, for decoration)
• Water, as needed for dough consistency

These ingredients come together to create a dough that is rich in flavor and texture, perfect for baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tsoureki at Home

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk (about 100°F or 37°C) with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast activates properly for a good rise.

2. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.

Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, 2 eggs (reserve one for the egg wash), and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Mix everything together until the dough begins to form. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until you have a soft, slightly tacky dough.

3. Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit of water to bring it together.

4. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and then braid them together to form a loaf. If you like, you can place a red Easter egg in the center of the braid for decoration.

6. Second Rise

Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.

7. Egg Wash

Beat the remaining egg with a splash of water and brush it over the top of the dough. This will give your Tsoureki a beautiful golden-brown finish once baked.

8. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Tsoureki for 30-35 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Make sure to check the center of the loaf with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.

9. Cool and Serve

Let the Tsoureki cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it fresh for breakfast, enjoy it with a hot beverage, or even as a dessert with jam.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Tsoureki

• Kneading: Be sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which will help achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
• Rising: Don’t skip the rising time! This is essential for the dough to develop flavor and texture.
• Flavor Variations: You can add cinnamon or nutmeg for a twist on the traditional flavor, but this is optional.
• Storage: Store leftover Tsoureki in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.

How to Serve and Enjoy Tsoureki

Tsoureki is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for:

• Breakfast: Serve it with a spread of butter or jam.
• Dessert: Pair it with Greek yogurt or honey for a sweet treat.
• Easter: Traditionally served during Greek Easter, Tsoureki can be enjoyed with other Greek dishes.

Don’t forget to try my Marmalade Breadcrumb Cake Recipe for a unique, nutty dessert experience!

Conclusion

Making Tsoureki at home is easier than it may seem, and it’s an excellent way to bring a piece of Greek tradition into your kitchen. With its fluffy texture, subtle sweetness, and delightful flavor, this Greek sweet bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday or simply craving something homemade, Tsoureki will not disappoint.

Enjoy making your Tsoureki, and don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below!