Description
Italian Easter Bread is a festive and delightful addition to your spring celebrations. This beautifully braided bread, enriched with citrus zest, not only captivates the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds. Its fluffy texture and aromatic flavor make it perfect for family gatherings, Easter brunches, or as a centerpiece on the holiday table. Adorned with colorful dyed eggs, this bread symbolizes renewal and joy, making it a cherished tradition for many families. Enjoy it warm alongside butter, jam, or even as a unique base for French toast. This recipe offers an opportunity to create lasting memories while celebrating the spirit of Easter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 4 dyed uncooked eggs (for decoration)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk. Let it foam for 5-10 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup sugar, eggs, and flour to the yeast mixture; stir until combined.
- Cover and let rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes.
- Add remaining flour, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix with a dough hook on low speed until a rough ball forms; knead on medium speed for about 7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours or until doubled.
- Punch down dough and divide into eight equal pieces; roll each into a rope and braid them into wreath shapes.
- Place on lined baking sheets; cover and let rise again for about an hour.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Nestle one dyed egg in each loaf center; brush with egg wash and sprinkle with nonpareils.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating almond extract or mix in dried fruits like raisins or candied citrus peel into the dough before shaping. Ensure that ingredients are at room temperature for optimal rising.