Italian Easter Bread
Italian Easter Bread is a delightful springtime tradition that combines sweet, citrusy flavors with a soft, fluffy texture. This gorgeous braided loaf, often adorned with colorful sprinkles, brings families together to celebrate Easter and create lasting memories. With its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste, this bread is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy brunches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: colorful sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by stirring 2 tablespoons of sugar into warm milk and sprinkling yeast on top. Let it sit until frothy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, eggs, citrus zests, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
- Punch down the dough, divide it into three pieces, roll into ropes, and braid them together.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the braided loaf on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating dried fruits like raisins or nuts such as almonds into the dough. Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to three days.