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Traditional Italian Easter Bread

Delicious Traditional Italian Easter Bread to Brighten Your Spring

Traditional Italian Easter Bread is a delightful centerpiece for springtime celebrations, combining soft, sweet bread with colorful Easter eggs.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Second Rise 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups Flour Bread flour for extra chew
  • 1 cup Sugar Enhances sweetness, can substitute with honey
  • 3 large Eggs For vegan option, use flax eggs
  • ½ cup Butter Can substitute with margarine or coconut oil
  • 1 cup Warm Milk Almond or soy milk for dairy-free
  • 2 teaspoons Yeast Instant yeast can be used
  • 1 tablespoon Citrus Zest (optional) Lemon or orange zest
Decoration Ingredients
  • 6 large Dyed Eggs Hard-boiled and dyed for decoration

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Floured Surface
  • baking sheet
  • wire rack

Method
 

Prepare and Bake
  1. Combine 1 cup of warm milk and 2 teaspoons of yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add in 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 3 eggs, and ½ cup of softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled.
  5. Punch down the dough, divide into three pieces, roll into ropes and braid together.
  6. Make indentations in the braid, and press the dyed eggs into place.
  7. Let the braided loaf rise for 30-45 minutes, covered.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with the egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  9. Allow cooling on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, measure flour accurately and consider using the autolyse method for better texture. Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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