Easter Bread

Grab a delicious and fragrant Easter bread to toast to the joys of Easter. Your Christmas table will look beautiful and feel more traditional with this sweet and festive bread on it. A lovely and delectable centerpiece for your Easter feast may be made with ease by following this simple recipe.

Tasting Notes

This Easter Bread is a soft and slightly sweet treat, with a hint of citrus and the richness of eggs. The golden crust adds a delightful crunch, making it a perfect balance of textures. Enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of butter for a heavenly experience.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one orange
• Zest of one lemon
• 1/2 cup mixed candied fruits (optional)
• Colored sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the foamy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined.

4. Knead the Dough

Attach the dough hook to the mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Add Citrus Zest and Candied Fruits

Add the orange and lemon zest, and candied fruits (if using). Continue kneading until the zest and fruits are evenly distributed.

6. First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

7. Shape the Bread

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a rope and braid them together. Place the braided dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Second Rise

Cover the braided dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 1-1.5 hours.

9. Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the risen dough with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) and sprinkle colored sprinkles if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the Easter Bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips

• For a shiny crust, brush the bread with a sugar glaze (1/4 cup sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water) right after baking.
• Experiment with different colored sprinkles and candied fruits to create a visually appealing Easter Bread.

Variations

• Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
• Incorporate a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist.

FAQs