Description
This Easter Bread Recipe is a beautiful and traditional holiday treat! A soft, lightly sweet braided bread ring is baked with a colorful Easter egg nestled in the center, making it a stunning addition to your Easter table. Flavored with citrus zest and vanilla, this bread is delicious on its own or served with butter and honey. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or making it for the first time, this festive bread is a fun and rewarding bake!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp rapid rise instant yeast (1 packet)
- Zest of 1 lemon & 1 orange
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp milk
For Decoration:
- Dyed Easter eggs (uncooked)
- Colorful sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest.
Step 2: Heat Milk & Butter
- Warm the milk and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm (not hot).
Step 3: Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Add eggs, vanilla, and the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour while mixing until the dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 8 minutes until smooth.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rest
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, knead a few times, then cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Shape & Braid
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into an 11-inch rope, then twist two ropes together to form a braid.
- Shape each braid into a ring and pinch the ends together.
Step 7: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 8: Decorate & Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the dough rings with the egg wash. Place one uncooked, dyed Easter egg in the center of each ring. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
- Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm with butter or honey!
Notes
- The uncooked dyed eggs bake safely in the oven and become hard-boiled.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days (remove the egg first).
- To freeze, omit the egg, wrap the bread well, and store for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Greek