Italian Easter Bread: A Delicious Tradition to Celebrate the Holiday

Italian Easter Bread is a delightful and vibrant centerpiece that graces tables during the festive season, symbolizing renewal and celebration. This traditional bread, often braided and adorned with colorful eggs, has deep roots in Italian culture, dating back centuries. Families gather to prepare this special dish, passing down recipes and stories that connect generations. The sweet, soft texture of Italian Easter Bread combined with its beautiful presentation makes it a beloved treat for both young and old alike.

People adore this dish not only for its rich flavor but also for its versatility; it can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter for breakfast. The aroma of baking bread fills the home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances any Easter celebration. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it on your own, Italian Easter Bread is sure to bring joy and a taste of tradition to your holiday festivities.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• Colored sprinkles (for decoration)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Preparing the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest.
4. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the well. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
6. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
7. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping the Bread

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches in length.
3. Pinch the ends of the three ropes together at one end and braid them together, making sure to keep the braid tight but not too tight that it tears the dough.
4. Once you reach the end, pinch the ends together and tuck them under the loaf to secure the braid.
5. Carefully transfer the braided loaf to a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.

Preparing for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the surface of the braided loaf to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
3. Sprinkle colored sprinkles generously over the top of the loaf for decoration.

Baking the Bread

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
2. Check the internal temperature of the bread with a kitchen thermometer; it should read around 190°F (88°C).
3. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

1. Once the Italian Easter Bread has cooled, slice it into thick pieces. It can be served plain or with butter.
2. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat during the Easter holiday.
3. Consider pairing it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Italian Easter Bread recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to celebrate the season with a delicious and traditional treat. Its unique blend of flavors, soft texture, and beautiful presentation make it a standout addition to any festive table. Whether you choose to enjoy it plain, adorned with colorful sprinkles, or paired with a side of sweet butter, this bread is sure to delight your family and friends. For those looking to add a personal touch, consider experimenting with variations such as adding citrus zest for a refreshing twist or incorporating dried fruits and nuts for added texture and flavor. You can also shape the dough into different forms, like braids or wreaths, to create a stunning centerpiece for your Easter celebration. We encourage you to try this Italian Easter Bread recipe and share your experience with us! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it on social media, tagging us so we can see your beautiful bread! Embrace the joy of baking and the spirit of Easter with this delightful recipe that brings people together. Happy baking! Print

Italian Easter Bread: A Delicious Tradition to Celebrate the Holiday
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• Author: Dottie
• Total Time: 150 minutes
• Yield: 1 large loaf (approximately 12 servings) 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
This Italian Easter Bread is a sweet, braided loaf infused with spices and citrus zest, making it a festive treat for the holiday. Topped with colorful sprinkles, it’s both visually appealing and delicious, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• Colored sprinkles (for decoration)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
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Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest.
4. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the well. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
6. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
7. Let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
8. Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it back to a floured surface.
9. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll each into a 24-inch rope.
10. Pinch the ends together and braid the ropes, keeping it tight but not too tight.
11. Pinch the ends together and tuck them under the loaf.
12. Transfer the braided loaf to a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
13. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
14. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Beat the remaining egg to create an egg wash and brush it over the loaf.
16. Sprinkle colored sprinkles generously over the top.
17. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
18. Check the internal temperature; it should read around 190°F (88°C).
19. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
20. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
• Ensure the milk is warmed to the correct temperature to activate the yeast.
• You can customize the sprinkles based on your preference or occasion.
• This bread can be enjoyed fresh or stored in an airtight container for a few days.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes