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Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe

Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe to Celebrate Spring

This Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe is a delightful, festive treat perfect for celebrating Easter.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups bread flour High-protein for better elasticity
  • ½ cup sugar Can substitute with honey for different flavor
  • 2 large eggs Beaten, can use flax eggs for vegan version
  • ½ cup butter Softened, can use margarine for dairy-free option
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F (43°C), almond or oat milk for dairy-free
  • 2¼ teaspoons yeast Instant yeast for quicker rise
  • zest of 1 citrus (optional) Lemon or orange for flavor
Decoration Ingredients
  • 4-6 dyed hard-boiled eggs Choose contrasting colors for decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Floured surface
  • wire rack
  • oven

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Warm 1 cup of milk to about 110°F (43°C) and dissolve 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast in it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix in 4 cups of bread flour, ½ cup of sugar, 2 beaten eggs, and ½ cup of softened butter to form a soft dough.
  3. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust flour if sticky.
  4. Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough, divide it into three equal pieces, roll into long ropes, and braid them together.
  6. Nestle pre-dyed hard-boiled eggs into the braid, securing them with the dough.
  7. Cover the braided loaf with a damp towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), brush the top with an egg wash, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Cool on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This Traditional Italian Easter Bread is perfect for sharing and enhances your festive celebrations with its beautiful appearance and delightful flavor.

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