Joyful Homemade Italian Easter Bread Recipe for Spring

Baking an authentic italian easter bread sparks memories of cherished family traditions.

Sweet aromas waft through kitchens during springtime celebrations.

Delicate braids adorned with colorful eggs capture festive spirits.

Generations have passed down these treasured recipes with love and care.

Soft, pillowy dough transforms into stunning centerpieces that invite conversation.

Warm connections emerge as you knead and shape each delightful loaf.

This recipe will transport you straight to an italian grandmother’s kitchen, where love is the secret ingredient.

Italian Easter Bread That’s As Sweet As It Looks

• Craft a Festive Tradition: Dive into a cherished Italian Easter bread that brings family and culture together through a delightful baking experience.
• Quick and Manageable Complexity: The recipe requires basic baking skills, making it accessible for home bakers with intermediate cooking knowledge and patience for the rising process.
• Celebratory Presentation: Create beautiful braided wreaths adorned with colorful eggs, perfect for Easter gatherings, brunch tables, and special holiday celebrations that wow guests with visual appeal.
• Sensory Delight Maker: Infused with citrus zest and vanilla, this bread offers a fragrant and soft texture that transforms a simple recipe into an aromatic, memorable culinary experience.

Classic Elements in Italian Easter Bread

• Flour, All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for creating soft, tender bread with classic Italian texture. King Arthur or Gold Medal brands work best.
• Yeast, Active Dry Yeast: Living microorganism that helps bread rise and develop rich flavor. Fresh and unexpired yeast ensures proper rising.

• Milk, Lukewarm Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate yeast. Whole milk creates richer bread.
• Eggs, Large Eggs: Adds richness, structure, and helps bind ingredients together. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Butter, Unsalted Butter: Contributes smooth flavor and tender crumb. European-style butter offers superior taste.

• Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness. White sugar works perfectly.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten structure. Kosher or fine sea salt recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, subtle background flavor. Pure vanilla delivers best results.
• Citrus Zest: Adds bright, fresh aromatic notes. Orange or lemon zest work wonderfully.

• Eggs, Dyed Eggs: Traditional Easter decoration nestled in bread center. Food-safe dyes preferred.
• Nonpareils: Colorful sprinkles adding festive visual appeal. Pastel colors suit Easter theme.

• Egg, Milk: Creates golden, shiny bread surface. Whole milk provides best shine.

Italian Easter Bread Recipe – Traditional Baking Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a stand mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk.

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until tiny bubbles form.

Stir in sugar, eggs, and flour with a rubber spatula until the mixture looks like pancake batter.

Cover and let rise in a cozy spot for 30 minutes until bubbly and alive.

Step 2: Create the Dough

• Flour
• Sugar
• Butter
• Salt
• Vanilla
• Citrus zest

Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until a rough ball forms.

Increase to speed 2 and knead for 7 minutes.

The dough should become smooth and stretchy, pulling away from the sides but might still stick to the bottom of the bowl.

Step 3: Allow First Rise

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm space for 1½ hours.

Watch it double in size, becoming puffy and light.

Step 4: Shape the Loaves

Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope.

Pinch two ropes together at the ends and twist them several times to create a beautiful wreath shape.

Tuck the ends underneath to secure.

Step 5: Prepare for Second Rise

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place two loaves on each sheet.

Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

Let rise for 1 hour until they look puffy and almost doubled.

Step 6: Decorate the Loaves

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Nestle a colorful dyed egg into the center of each loaf.

Whisk an egg with milk to create a wash.

Gently brush the loaves with the egg wash, being careful around the dyed eggs.

Sprinkle nonpareils over the top for a festive touch.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven, placing racks in the upper and lower thirds.

Bake for 20 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Transfer the loaves to a wire rack.

Let them cool completely before slicing and enjoying this traditional Easter treat with family and friends.

Easter Bread Tips With Italian Notes

• Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, creating a successful sponge base for soft, fluffy bread.
• Use a stand mixer's dough hook for consistent kneading, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture that's essential for traditional Italian Easter bread.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with the light on, helping the dough rise evenly and develop rich flavor.
• Use food-safe dyes or natural coloring methods like beet juice or turmeric to create vibrant, edible eggs nestled in the bread's center.
• Apply egg wash delicately with a soft pastry brush, avoiding the dyed eggs to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust without disturbing the decorative eggs.

Italian Easter Bread Keeps Its Crumb for Days

• Store cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual loaves in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for storage up to 1 month, preserving texture and flavor.
• Warm bread gently in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent moisture loss and restore soft texture.
• Allow frozen bread to thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving, ensuring best taste and texture.

Flavorful Ideas For Italian Easter Bread

• Flavor Harmony: Pair this sweet, citrusy Italian Easter bread with creamy ricotta cheese spread and a drizzle of honey for a delightful breakfast experience.
• Wine and Cheese Match: Enjoy a glass of crisp Prosecco or a light Pinot Grigio alongside the bread, complemented by a mild pecorino or fresh mozzarella to enhance the bread's delicate flavors.
• Citrus Celebration: Serve with a bright orange marmalade or lemon curd to amplify the bread's subtle citrus notes, creating a vibrant and refreshing taste combination.
• Morning Beverage Companion: Brew a smooth cappuccino or a delicate Earl Grey tea to balance the bread's sweetness and provide a warm, comforting morning ritual.

Italian Easter Bread Recipe Edits

• Gluten-Free Easter Bread: Replace wheat flour with a mix of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the soft texture.
• Vegan Easter Bread: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, eggs with flax eggs, and butter with coconut oil to create a plant-based alternative that honors traditional flavors.
• Low-Sugar Easter Bread: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and reduce overall sweetness while keeping the bread's traditional essence and maintaining its festive character.
• Citrus-Free Variation: Omit citrus zest and replace with vanilla bean paste or almond extract for those who prefer a different aromatic profile without compromising the bread's delicate structure.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of the sponge in this recipe?

The sponge helps develop flavor and provides a light, airy texture to the bread by allowing the yeast to activate and begin fermentation before making the final dough.

• Why do I add citrus zest to the dough?

Citrus zest adds a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the sweet bread and gives it a traditional Italian Easter characteristic, enhancing the overall taste profile.

• How do I know if I've kneaded the dough enough?

The dough is properly kneaded when it becomes smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl while potentially sticking slightly to the bottom. It should feel soft and supple when touched.

• What type of eggs should I use for decorating?

Use hard-boiled or dyed raw eggs placed in the center of each bread wreath. Traditionally, red-dyed eggs are used to symbolize the blood of Christ in Italian Easter celebrations.

Italian Easter Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian Easter Bread weaves together rich tradition and festive flavor, celebrating generations of family culinary heritage. Delicate strands of dough embrace colorful eggs, inviting you to savor a slice of cultural comfort that connects generations around the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk, lukewarm
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Decoration Ingredients:

• 4 dyed eggs (uncooked)
• Multicolored nonpareils or sprinkles
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk, allowing it to become frothy and aromatic. Incorporate sugar, eggs, and flour, creating a silky pancake-like mixture. Let the sponge rest in a cozy environment until bubbles form and the volume increases.
2. Enhance the sponge with remaining flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, vanilla, and vibrant citrus zest. Utilize a stand mixer with a dough hook to blend ingredients, transforming the mixture into a cohesive, supple dough. Knead thoroughly until the texture becomes smooth and elastic, with the dough gracefully pulling away from the mixing bowl’s sides.
3. Allow the dough to develop and rise in a warm space, watching it expand and double in volume over approximately 90 minutes.
4. Gently deflate the risen dough and segment it into eight uniform portions, ensuring consistent size and shape.
5. Transform each dough segment into elongated 12-inch ropes. Intertwine two ropes, carefully pinching and twisting to create elegant wreath-like formations. Carefully tuck the ends underneath to maintain a polished appearance.
6. Arrange the woven loaves on parchment-lined baking sheets. Drape with a damp cloth, permitting the dough to proof and become wonderfully puffy.
7. Calibrate the oven to 400°F, positioning racks to ensure even heat distribution.
8. Nestle vibrant dyed eggs into the center of each loaf. Craft a glossy egg wash by whisking egg and milk, then delicately brush the loaves, taking care to avoid the raw eggs. Sprinkle playful nonpareils across the surface for a festive touch.
9. Bake the loaves until they transform into a rich, golden-brown color, rotating midway to guarantee uniform browning.
10. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack, allowing the bread to rest and develop its final texture before serving.

Notes

• Use lukewarm milk to activate yeast effectively, ensuring it’s not too hot or cold which can kill or delay yeast activation.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a soft and stretchy texture that gives the bread its signature light, airy consistency.
• Protect rising dough from drafts by covering with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven.
• Customize bread by experimenting with different citrus zests like orange or lemon, or adding subtle spices like cardamom for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg