Description
This Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe is a delightful, sweet bread flavored with citrus zest and decorated with vibrant dyed Easter eggs, making it a festive centerpiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk warmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Dyed Easter eggs for decoration
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest to the yeast mixture, whisking until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and braid them together. Shape the braid into a circle and tuck the ends underneath.
- Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet. Gently nestle the dyed Easter eggs into the braid. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the dough with the egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. You can use any color of dyed eggs to match your decorations.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe,Easter bread recipe,Italian bread recipe,dessert,baking