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+ servings
Italian Easter Bread

Deliciously Sweet Italian Easter Bread for Your Holiday Table

Celebrate Easter with this delightful Italian Easter Bread, a sweet, braided centerpiece filled with tradition.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 58 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Can be substituted with 2% milk or water.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness and food for yeast.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Essential for leavening.
  • 3 large Eggs Reserve one for egg wash.
  • 4 cups All-purpose Flour Use bread flour for chewier texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Softened for mixing.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Orange Extract Optional for a citrusy flavor.
For the Decoration
  • 1/4 cup Rainbow Nonpareils Or use sprinkles.
  • 6 colored Easter Eggs Hard-boiled.

Equipment

  • stand mixer
  • baking sheet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Preparation Instructions
  1. Prepare a dye bath for Easter eggs: mix 1 cup hot water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and food coloring. Submerge eggs for 3 minutes, dry and set aside.
  2. Combine 1 cup warm whole milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast in a mixer. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon orange extract if desired. Mix in 4 cups flour and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth.
  3. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  4. Punch down dough, divide into three portions, roll into ropes, and braid. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, making an indentation for eggs. Let rise for 30 to 60 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place dyed eggs in the wreath center. Brush bread with egg wash from reserved egg and sprinkle with nonpareils.
  6. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  7. Cool on a wire rack completely, then slice and serve with butter or spreads.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure eggs are hard-boiled and cooled before decorating. Proper kneading and rising are key to texture.

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