Italian Easter Bread
Italian Easter Bread is a delightful, sweet, and slightly citrusy bread traditionally prepared for Easter. It is adorned with colorful sprinkles and often features an egg nestled in the center.
Nutrition
Calories: 290cal
Carbohydrate: 48g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: – -mg
Sodium: – -mg
Difficulty Level: easy
30 min Prep
30 min Cook
1 hr Total
1 0
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 additional large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Colored sprinkles, for decoration
- 5 raw eggs, dyed with food coloring if desired (for decoration)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Set aside for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon zest, 3 eggs, and yeast mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Lightly oil a large bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll each into a long rope, about 18 inches in length.
- Braid the three ropes together and form into a circle, sealing the ends to make a ring. Place this braided circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If using, tuck the dyed eggs into the braid, spacing them evenly. They will cook alongside the bread and become hard-boiled.
- Cover the dough loosely with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with colored sprinkles for decoration.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before serving. Slice and enjoy your festive Italian Easter Bread!
