Pinca (Bánh mì Phục Sinh của Croatia) – Loại bánh mì thơm mùi cam quýt, đậm chất lễ hội.

Bánh mì Pinca Phục Sinh của Croatia (Bánh mì vị cam quýt và rượu rum)

Trên khắp các vùng ven biển Adriatic của Croatia, buổi sáng Phục Sinh hiếm khi trọn vẹn nếu thiếu một ổ bánh mì pinca thơm phức, vàng óng, loại bánh mì ngọt đặc trưng của đất nước trong dịp lễ hội. Còn được gọi là sirnica, pinza, hoặc pogača tùy theo vùng miền, ổ bánh mì giàu dinh dưỡng này nằm ở trung tâm bàn ăn ngày lễ, bên cạnh trứng luộc, giăm bông hun khói, hành lá và các món ăn theo mùa khác. Hình dáng hơi vòm, lớp vỏ bóng và vết cắt ngang sâu trên đỉnh khiến nó dễ dàng nhận ra ngay cả trước khi miếng đầu tiên hé lộ phần ruột bánh mềm mại, màu vàng nhạt.

Bánh Pinca thuộc về một họ bánh mì Phục Sinh rộng lớn hơn của châu Âu: những loại bánh làm từ bột giàu chất béo và trứng, đánh dấu sự kết thúc của thời kỳ kiêng khem Mùa Chay và sự trở lại của các sản phẩm từ sữa, trứng và đường trong nhà bếp. Ở Croatia, đặc biệt là dọc theo bờ biển Dalmatia, Istria và Vịnh Kvarner, mỗi gia đình thường giữ gìn công thức riêng của mình. Một số gia đình thích bánh có kết cấu mềm xốp như bánh ngọt; số khác lại giữ kết cấu gần giống với bánh mì ngọt nhẹ. Nhiều gia đình làm giàu bột bằng cả bơ và mỡ lợn, hoặc thêm các loại hương liệu tinh tế như nước hoa hồng, rượu rum hoặc rượu mùi trái cây.

What unites these variations is the flavor structure. A classic pinca is built on strong citrus notes—typically zest from both lemons and oranges—layered with vanilla and a mild warmth from alcohol, often dark rum or a local grape spirit. Raisins or candied peel are common, though not mandatory; some cooks keep the crumb plain and rely entirely on the aromatic dough. The loaf is usually brushed with egg wash, sometimes sprinkled with coarse sugar or sliced almonds, then slashed with a cross or Y-shaped cut just before baking. That cut is both practical and symbolic: it helps the loaf expand evenly in the oven and echoes the religious meaning of Easter.

This Pinca (Croatian Easter Bread) recipe aims for a loaf that stays soft beyond the first day and carries a clearly defined citrus profile without overwhelming sweetness. The dough uses a combination of egg yolks and whole eggs for color and richness, plus a balanced mix of butter and neutral oil. This approach borrows from traditional formulas, which often pair butter with either lard or oil to keep the crumb tender. Rum-soaked raisins contribute small pockets of moisture and flavor, while a moderate sugar level allows the aromas of lemon, orange, and vanilla to stay in the foreground.

In many Croatian homes, pinca is prepared on Holy Saturday, allowed a long, unhurried rise, and then baked so it can be blessed in a basket alongside eggs and other foods, or sliced at a late breakfast after church. The loaf is sturdy enough to travel—often it is wrapped and carried to relatives—yet delicate enough to pair with butter, jam, or simply a cup of coffee. For households that enjoy planning ahead, the dough’s two slow rises also make it naturally suited to a relaxed holiday schedule: mixing early in the day, shaping in the afternoon, and baking when the kitchen is already in full use.

From a practical standpoint, this version suits cooks who appreciate a structured, stepwise method. The sponge step wakes up the yeast in warm milk, while the main dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic to build a strong gluten network that can support the heavy enrichment of eggs, sugar, and fat. A carefully proofed loaf develops a fine, even crumb and retains moisture for several days, making it ideal not only for Easter Sunday but also for toasted slices on Easter Monday. Nutrition-wise, pinca is rich and celebratory rather than everyday fare, with wheat flour, dairy, eggs, and sugar all playing unmistakable roles. The result is a citrusy, festive loaf that carries Croatian Easter tradition into any kitchen willing to give it time and attention.

Pinca (Bánh mì Phục Sinh của Croatia) – Loại bánh mì thơm mùi cam quýt, đậm chất lễ hội.

Công thức của Trợ lý du lịch SKhóa học: Bánh mỳẨm thực: Tiếng CroatiaKhó khăn: Trung cấp
Khẩu phần ăn

10

khẩu phần ăn
Thời gian chuẩn bị

30

phút
Thời gian nấu ăn

40

phút
Lượng calo

300

calo
Thời gian tăng

180

phút

Pinca is a traditional Croatian Easter bread made from a rich, citrus-scented yeast dough. This version produces a round loaf with a soft, finely textured crumb, lightly sweetened and studded with rum-soaked raisins. Lemon and orange zest, vanilla, and a gentle hint of alcohol build a layered aroma, while an egg wash and cross cut on top create the characteristic glossy, golden crust. The method involves two relaxed rises and a relatively short bake, resulting in a loaf that feels festive but manageable for an intermediate home baker. Served at Easter breakfast alongside eggs, ham, and spring vegetables, or simply sliced with butter and jam, this Pinca (Croatian Easter Bread) recipe offers a flavorful centerpiece that keeps well for several days and slices neatly for sharing.

Thành phần

  • For the flavored raisins
  • Raisins, 60 g — classic addition; golden or dark raisins both work.

  • Dark rum, 1½ tbsp (about 20 ml) — softens the fruit and adds subtle warmth; orange liqueur or grape brandy are traditional alternatives.

  • Đối với bột
  • Whole milk, 200 ml, lukewarm (about 35–38°C) — forms the base of the sponge; warm but not hot to protect the yeast.

  • Instant or active dry yeast, 7 g — standard one-sachet amount; 20 g fresh yeast can be used instead.

  • Caster sugar, 120 g — sweetens the dough and supports browning.

  • Bột mì đa dụng, 500 g — provides structure; a strong all-purpose or light bread flour suits this enriched dough.

  • Muối biển hảo hạng, ½ tsp — balances sweetness and sharpens the citrus flavors.

  • Large eggs, 2 whole (at room temperature) — contribute structure and color.

  • Large egg yolks, 2 (at room temperature) — increase richness and deepen the crumb’s yellow hue.

  • Bơ nhạt, 90 g, very soft but not melted — added gradually to create a smooth, elastic dough and tender crumb.

  • Neutral vegetable oil (sunflower or grapeseed), 30 ml (2 tbsp) — mirrors many Dalmatian formulas that pair butter with oil or lard for softness over several days.

  • Lemon zest, finely grated from 1 untreated lemon — one of the defining aromas of pinca.

  • Orange zest, finely grated from 1 untreated orange — rounds out the citrus profile and adds gentle sweetness.

  • Vanilla extract, 1½ tsp — replaces traditional vanilla sugar while remaining easy to measure.

  • Sour cream, 40 g (about 3 tbsp), at room temperature — optional but helpful for a slightly denser, moist crumb and mild tang.

  • Để hoàn thành
  • Large egg, 1 — beaten with milk for a shiny egg wash.

  • Sữa, 1 tbsp — loosens the egg wash.

  • Coarse sugar or pearl sugar, 1–2 tbsp — optional topping for gentle crunch.

  • Ghi chú về thay thế và dị ứng
  • Không có sữa: Whole milk can be replaced with an unsweetened plant-based milk with similar fat content; butter and sour cream can be swapped for a high-fat vegan baking margarine and a thick plant-based yogurt, though the flavor and crumb will differ.

  • Không chứa gluten: A strong, gluten-free bread flour blend designed for enriched yeasted doughs is required; rising times may change and the structure will be more fragile.

  • Không cồn: Raisins can be soaked in warm orange juice instead of rum; the dough will still benefit from the citrus and fruit.

Hướng dẫn

  • Prepare the raisins and citrus
  • Ngâm nho khô. Combine the raisins and dark rum in a small bowl. Cover and leave to soak for at least 30 minutes while the sponge is prepared; this plumps the fruit and infuses gentle aroma.

  • Grate the zest. Finely grate the lemon and orange zest into a separate small bowl, avoiding the bitter white pith. Stir in the vanilla extract so the aromatics are ready to fold into the dough.

  • Make the sponge and dough
  • Bloom the yeast. In a medium bowl, whisk the lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of the sugar taken from the measured amount. Let stand for 5–10 minutes, until slightly foamy on the surface.

  • Trộn đều các nguyên liệu khô. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

  • Add eggs and flavorings. Lightly beat the eggs and egg yolks, then pour them into the flour mixture along with the yeast-milk mixture, the citrus zest and vanilla mixture, and the sour cream (if using). Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains.

  • Develop the dough. Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 5–7 minutes, until the dough begins to look smoother and starts to pull cleanly from the sides of the bowl while still clinging slightly to the bottom.

  • Enrich and first rise
  • Incorporate fats. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the soft butter in three additions, letting each portion fully blend before adding the next, then stream in the neutral oil. Continue kneading for another 6–8 minutes, until the dough is silky, elastic, and only lightly tacky; it should pass a gentle windowpane test.

  • Trộn đều nho khô vào hỗn hợp. Drain any excess rum from the soaked raisins (reserving a teaspoon to brush over the loaf if desired), then knead the fruit into the dough on low speed or by hand until evenly distributed.

  • Lần mọc đầu tiên. Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover tightly and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1½–2 hours, until roughly doubled in volume.

  • Shape, proof, and score
  • Shape the loaf. Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Deflate gently, then pull the edges toward the center to create surface tension and form a tight ball. Pinch the seam closed and roll the ball seam-side down until smooth.

  • Second rise. Transfer the shaped dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a shallow round tin. Cover loosely with lightly oiled plastic wrap and let rise for 45–60 minutes, until noticeably puffed and slightly jiggly when the tray is nudged. Toward the end of this rise, heat the oven to 180°C (355°F), conventional.

  • Glaze and score. Whisk the egg with milk to make an egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the loaf, then use sharp kitchen scissors or a razor blade to cut a deep cross or Y-shaped slash into the top, about 1½–2 cm deep. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.

  • Nướng. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, rotating once halfway, until deeply golden and risen. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the underside, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read about 92–94°C (198–201°F).

  • Mát mẻ. Transfer the pinca to a wire rack and let it cool at least 45–60 minutes before slicing. This rest allows the crumb to set and preserves moisture, giving clean slices and a tender texture.

Mẹo, Khắc phục sự cố & Biến thể

  • Gợi ý phục vụ & Kết hợp
    Pinca is traditionally served at Easter breakfast or brunch, sliced thickly and enjoyed alongside hard-boiled eggs, smoked or cured ham, fresh spring onions, and radishes. The loaf also pairs well with softened butter, marmalade, or honey. For drinks, lightly sweet coffee, black tea, or a simple glass of warm milk emphasize the bread’s citrus and vanilla notes. At a more extended holiday table, a gently sparkling wine or a semi-dry prosecco-style wine echoes the bread’s festive character without overwhelming its delicate sweetness.
  • Bảo quản và hâm nóng
    Once fully cooled, the loaf keeps well at room temperature, wrapped in a clean cloth and then in a loose plastic or reusable bag, for about 3 days. For longer storage, slices can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To refresh, thaw at room temperature, then warm individual slices in a low oven (about 150°C / 300°F) for 5–7 minutes, or briefly toast them until the edges crisp while the interior stays soft. Prolonged high heat will dry the crumb, so gentle reheating works best.
  • Biến thể & Thay thế
    A citrus-only version can be made by omitting the raisins while keeping the zest and vanilla for a cleaner flavor. For those avoiding alcohol, raisins soaked in warm orange juice still provide moisture and aroma. A part-whole-wheat variant can be created by replacing 100–150 g of the flour with finely milled whole-wheat flour; the loaf will be slightly denser and more rustic. For a regional twist, a spoonful of rosewater or orange blossom water can be added with the citrus zest, echoing Dalmatian and northern Adriatic traditions that use floral aromatics in Easter breads.
  • Mẹo của đầu bếp
    Allowing the dough to rise slowly in a moderately warm environment, rather than forcing a very quick rise, gives better flavor and a more even crumb. Adding the butter gradually and kneading thoroughly after each addition ensures a strong gluten network that can support the enriched dough. A deep, confident cross cut helps control expansion in the oven and produces the classic pinca appearance. Finally, pulling the loaf from the oven when it is just baked through—rather than very dark—keeps the crumb moist and prevents the bread from drying out as it cools.
  • Thiết bị cần thiết
    1. Stand mixer with dough hook — not strictly mandatory but extremely helpful for handling enriched doughs that need extended kneading to become smooth and elastic. 2. Medium mixing bowls — for soaking raisins, preparing the sponge, and holding the dough during rises. 3. Fine grater or microplane — essential for removing only the fragrant colored zest from lemons and oranges while leaving the bitter pith behind. 4. Kitchen scale — strongly recommended for accurate measurement of flour, liquids, and fats, giving consistent results from batch to batch. 5. Bench scraper — useful for lifting and folding soft dough and for shaping the final loaf. 6. Parchment-lined baking sheet or shallow round tin — supports the loaf during its final rise and baking, helping it hold a neat, rounded shape. 7. Instant-read thermometer (optional) — allows quick confirmation that the center of the bread has reached a safe, fully baked temperature without overbaking.

Thông tin dinh dưỡng

Approximate values per serving (1 of 10 slices), based on standard reference ingredients and the quantities above:

Chất dinh dưỡngSố tiền ước tính
Lượng calo~350 kcal
Carbohydrate~50 g
Chất đạm~8 g
Mập~12 g
Chất xơ~2 g
Natri~220 mg

Các chất gây dị ứng chính: gluten (wheat flour), dairy (milk, butter, sour cream), eggs.