Italian Easter Bread is a traditional sweet bread that is often braided and decorated with colored eggs. It’s a delightful treat that symbolizes new life and is enjoyed during the Easter season. Here’s a recipe to make your own Italian Easter Bread at home!
Italian Easter Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
- 4-6 dyed hard-boiled eggs (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and citrus zests (if using). Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
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First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12-15 inches long). Braid the three ropes together to form a loaf. Pinch the ends to seal and tuck them under.
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Second Rise:
- Place the braided loaf on a greased baking sheet. If using, gently press the dyed hard-boiled eggs into the dough, spacing them evenly. Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Egg Wash and Bake:
- In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and brush it over the loaf for a shiny finish. If desired, sprinkle colored sprinkles on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve.
Tips:
- Flavor Variations: You can add raisins or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.
- Decorating: The colored eggs can be left in the bread for decoration or removed before serving.
Enjoy your Italian Easter Bread! It’s a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate the Easter holiday!