This cheese-filled braided bread recipe features soft, homemade dough and a rich farmer cheese filling with dried apricots and orange zest. Perfect for Easter or holiday baking, this sweet bread is made from scratch and shaped into a beautiful braid. Learn how to make a traditional paska-style loaf that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Includes tips for shaping, proofing, and baking for perfect results every time.

This tender, slightly sweet braided bread is filled with a creamy farmer cheese mixture accented by dried apricots and fresh orange zest. Perfect for Easter or any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 ½ tsp instant yeast (4g)
3 Tbsp granulated sugar, plus 1 tsp (divided)
½ cup warm milk
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg
⅛ tsp sea salt
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (measured properly)

For the Cheese Filling:

8 ½ oz farmer cheese (Tvorog), about 1¾ cups packed
1 egg yolk
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup dried apricots, finely chopped
2 tsp orange zest (from 1 medium orange)

For the Egg Wash:

1 large egg
1 tsp water

Instructions

Activate the Yeast
In a measuring cup, combine warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, remaining 3 Tbsp sugar, and salt. Whisk in the melted butter, then add the proofed yeast mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, add flour and the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until combined, then knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and soft (it shouldn’t stick to your hands).
Form the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, crumble the farmer cheese with a fork. Mix in the sugar and egg yolk until creamy. Fold in chopped apricots and orange zest.
Shape the Bread
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12×9-inch rectangle, about ⅛–¼ inch thick.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border all around.
Form the Braid
Roll up the dough from the long edge into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice the roll in half lengthwise, leaving one end intact.
Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up, then pinch the ends to seal.
Final Rise and Bake
Place the braid, cut side up, into a greased loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the top generously with egg wash.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar while warm. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Tips

Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Knead the dough well to develop gluten—this ensures a soft and elastic texture.
If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm appliance.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese: Substitute ricotta or well-drained cottage cheese for farmer cheese.
Fruit: Use raisins, dried cherries, or cranberries instead of apricots.
Zest: Swap orange zest for lemon for a brighter citrus flavor.
Add-ins: A handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the filling.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw at room temperature and reheat slightly before serving.

What is farmer cheese?
Farmer cheese, or tvorog, is a soft, tangy cheese similar to ricotta but drier. It’s traditional in Eastern European baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature with tea or coffee.
Top with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Slice and toast leftovers for a quick breakfast treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, rich dough that’s lightly sweet and buttery
Creamy, flavorful filling with sweet and tangy notes
Beautiful presentation with a rustic braided shape
A perfect holiday centerpiece that also works year-round