How to Make Favorite Easter Cake (Kulich)

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins and candied fruit evenly. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased pan or mold.

Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cake has cooled, you can glaze it with a sugar glaze or decorate it as you like. Serve and enjoy your homemade Easter cake!