Description
This Easter Bread, infused with orange zest and almond extract, is a delightful sweet bread perfect for celebrating the season. Its rich flavor and festive toppings make it a must-have for your holiday table.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 4½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Topping
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 cup honey roasted sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon pastel sprinkles or nonpareils
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat until slightly warm.
- Stir in the butter until melted, then mix in almond extract, sugar, and orange zest.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a few tablespoons of the warm milk mixture. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, remaining milk mixture, salt, and eggs.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf or braid.
- Place on a greased baking sheet or into a loaf pan.
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the egg and cold water to create an egg wash.
- Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle with honey roasted almonds and pastel sprinkles.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Fresh orange zest gives the bread its vibrant citrus flavor.
- Bread flour can be substituted for a chewier texture.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Delicious served warm with butter or honey.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Easter Bread, Orange Almond Sweet Bread, sweet bread, holiday baking, dessert bread