an image of a Kitka Bread, a traditional braided bread

Kitka Bread (Challah) with 6 Braids

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Traditional Soft and Golden Kitka Bread with 6 Braids

Golden and fluffy Kitka bread with six braids that’s easier than it looks. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinner, or whenever you want homemade bread that impresses.

an image of a Kitka Bread, a traditional braided bread this For later use
Kitka bread turns simple ingredients into a stunning loaf. Soft, sweet, and braided to perfection

If you’ve ever wanted to bake a loaf that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Kitka bread is for you. With its golden crust and soft, fluffy inside, it’s the kind of bread that turns a regular meal into something special.

Why You’ll Love and Enjoy Fluffy Kitka Bread

  • It looks impressive, but it is easier than it seems
  • Soft, slightly sweet, and buttery
  • Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or Sunday dinner
  • Makes amazing French toast the next day
  • Freezes beautifully, so you can make it ahead
an image of a Kitka Bread, a traditional braided bread
This Kitka bread recipe makes a fluffy, golden loaf that always stands out on the table

Kitka bread with six braids is golden and soft with a slightly sweet finish. Learn the braiding technique and enjoy a loaf that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Try this step-by-step recipe for braided perfection.

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an image of a Kitka Bread, a traditional braided bread

Kitka Bread (Challah) with 6 Braids

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: EsmeSalon
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Proofing time: 80 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
  • Category: Bread Recipes
  • Method: Moderate
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Description

A 6-braid Kitka bread is easier than you think. Once baked, it’s golden, rich, and perfect for the table.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Yeast Starter

  • 3/4 cup lukewarm milk (microwave works fine)
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup of cake flour

Dough

  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 4 Tbsp cold water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 2 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp salt

Glaze

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 Tbsp milk
  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, sugar, and ½ cup flour until smooth (no lumps).
  2. Cover with cling wrap and let it sit for about 30 minutes, until frothy.
  3. Once bubbly, stir in the 3 Tbsp sugar, cold water, egg, and melted butter.
  4. Add the flour and salt.
  5. Mix in a stand mixer with the dough hook for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  6. Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
  7. Punch down the dough and knead gently for 2 minutes.
  8. On a floured surface, divide into 6 equal pieces.
  9. Roll each into long ropes.
  10. Pinch the top ends together, then braid:
  11. On the left, take rope 2 and cross over the top.
  12. Move rope 1 into the middle.
  13. On the right, take rope 2 over, then move rope 1 into the middle.
  14. Keep alternating until fully braided, then tuck the ends under.
  15. Place braid on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover lightly, and let rise again for 50 minutes.
  16. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  17. Brush the dough with egg yolk and milk mixture.
  18. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if you’d like.
  19. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
  20. If it browns too fast, tent with foil and continue baking. (For fan-assisted ovens, lower to 170°C / 340°F.)
  21. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Prepared, tried, and tested by Gail

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Kitka bread is fluffy, golden, and braided to perfection. It’s the kind of bread that makes every meal feel special.

an image of a Kitka Bread, a traditional braided bread
Fluffy Kitka bread has a soft crumb and golden crust that pairs with anything

Fluffy Kitka bread with six braids is golden, soft, and slightly sweet. The recipe is approachable, the braiding is simple once you try it, and the finished loaf always feels like something worth celebrating.

This recipe gives you a rich, golden loaf of Kitka (a traditional braided bread similar to challah). It’s slightly sweet, buttery, and beautiful enough for any table. Don’t stress about the braiding, once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty fun!

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6 thoughts on “Kitka Bread (Challah) with 6 Braids”

    1. EsmeSalon

      Thank you for dropping in here, Aritha. Hope you will try it out, and please do not miss out to come and share your links with us at SSPS.

      Reply

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