Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe
A traditional Italian Easter bread recipe symbolizing spring and family gatherings, featuring a slightly sweet, brioche-like dough and vibrant decorations.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 ½ – 5 cups All-purpose flour
¾ cup Granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons Active dry yeast
1 cup Warm milk
3 Large eggs
½ cup Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Lemon zest
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Salt
4-6 Hard-boiled eggs
Optional Sprinkles
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl and letting sit until foamy
- Prepare the dough base by whisking together the foamy yeast mixture, remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until the dough comes together
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size
- Shape the dough into braids, placing colored hard-boiled eggs in the center
- Let the braids rise again until puffy
- Brush with egg wash and bake until golden brow
- Cool on a wire rack before serving
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
Patience is key for proper rising.
Experiment with flavors by using different extracts.
Find it online: https://onthatplate.com/traditional-italian-easter-bread-recipe/