Fasting Celebration Cake

Jan 17, 2022

3 min read

Updated: Oct 23

The feast table is inconceivable without the feast cake, a centerpiece that not only adds a touch of elegance but also embodies the spirit of celebration. This fasting feast cake, characterized by its exquisite softness and delectable flavor, is crafted to bring joy and delight to everyone present at the table. Its rich aroma and inviting appearance are sure to captivate the senses, making it a beloved tradition among family and friends during festive gatherings.

This delightful cake can be prepared either on the eve of Christmas or on the day itself, adding to the festive atmosphere that surrounds the holiday season. The preparation process is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to create this culinary masterpiece with ease. The ingredients are simple yet come together to form a bread that is not only tasty but also imbued with the warmth of home and the joy of togetherness. To ensure the best results, it is important to follow the recipe closely, paying attention to the proportions and methods outlined. The end product is a cake that not only satisfies the palate but also serves as a symbol of abundance and goodwill during the holiday celebrations.

Ingredients: medium, total time: 155 min. 10 servings

Dough:

Decorations:

Preparation:

Raising Yeast:

Heat the mineral water to lukewarm, add sugar and yeast to rise.
Mix the flour with the remaining ingredients, add the sourdough yeast, and knead to a smooth, soft dough that does not stick to your hands.
Cover the dough and let it double in volume, about 1 hour.

Shaping Dough:

Divide the dough into two balls. Make a braid from one ball and place it along the edge of a greased circular tray; for me, it's a deeper enameled pot, and put another ball in the middle.
Coat the surface of the celebration cake with boiled starch (200 ml of water and 2 tablespoons of flour) for a better shine and color, and the decorations are better.

Decoration Bread:

Make decorations from a mixture of soft flour and thickener, with a little salt and water to knead a harder dough. Spread the dough as thin as possible. Shape the decorations as desired and keep them covered until you stick them on the cake.

Standing Dough:

Leave the cake covered in a warm place for 30 minutes to grow nicely. If this does not happen outside the oven, it will suddenly rise and crack in the oven.

Baking:

Preheat the oven to 200 °C and bake the celebration cake for the first 15 minutes; reduce the temperature to 180 °C, cover the surface with baking paper, and continue baking for another 30 minutes.
The baked cake should be light; you will feel it by the weight of the pot when you take it in your hands. Then carefully take the cake out on a clean kitchen cloth and coat it with a mixture of oil and warm water to get a nice shine.

Buon appetito!

"May your kitchen always be filled with wonderful aromas, your table with good food and your heart with the joy of sharing" ☕❤️🌹

NOTE:

This bread is served on the eve of the holidays, Easter and Christmas holidays. A traditional Slavic cake that is very decorative.
Cover it with a clean cotton cloth, put a nylon bag around it to prevent air from entering, and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.