Easter Bread

Easter Bread is a soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully braided bread often decorated with colorful sprinkles or dyed eggs, making it a festive and traditional centerpiece for Easter celebrations. With a tender crumb and a hint of citrus or vanilla, this homemade bread is as delicious as it is beautiful.

I first made this when I wanted to bring a touch of tradition to our Easter table. The dough was soft and easy to work with, and the finished bread had a golden crust with just the right amount of sweetness. It quickly became a yearly tradition!

What’s great about Easter Bread is how customizable it is. You can flavor it with citrus zest, anise, or almond extract, braid it into different shapes, or even make mini individual loaves. Whether you enjoy it fresh, toasted, or with a spread of butter, this festive bread is a must-have for Easter!

Perfect for:

• Easter celebrations
• Holiday brunches
• Family gatherings
• Festive gifts
• Sweet bread lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Easter Bread will become a holiday favorite:

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough yields a beautifully airy and tender crumb.
• Mildly Sweet and Buttery: Lightly sweetened with a rich, buttery flavor for a perfect balance.
• Festive and Beautiful: Decorated with dyed eggs and braided for a stunning presentation.
• Hints of Citrus and Vanilla: Bright flavors from orange zest and vanilla enhance the taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: A centerpiece-worthy bread ideal for family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and enjoy fresh on Easter morning.
• Versatile Serving Options: Delicious plain, with butter, or lightly toasted.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Decorating with dyed eggs makes it a fun family activity.
• Symbolic Tradition: A meaningful Easter tradition representing new beginnings.
• Pairs Well with Coffee or Tea: A delightful complement to your morning beverage.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

For Decoration:

• 3-5 dyed eggs (optional)
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Active Dry Yeast: Ensures a light, airy rise.
• Orange Zest: Adds a subtle citrusy aroma.
• Dyed Eggs: A classic Easter decoration that adds festive charm.
• Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and enhances the dough’s richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
4. Form the Dough: Add the yeast mixture and egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Decorate:

7. Divide the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions.
8. Braid the Dough: Roll each portion into a rope and braid them together. Form into a circle and pinch ends to seal.
9. Add Dyed Eggs: If using, nestle the dyed eggs gently into the braid.
10. Second Rise: Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.

Bake the Bread:

11. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
12. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the dough with a mixture of egg yolk and milk for a golden crust.
13. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
14. Cool and Serve: Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

How to Serve

Here are 10 ways to enjoy Easter Bread:

• As a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy warm with butter or jam.
• With Coffee or Tea: A perfect pairing for a morning beverage.
• As a Holiday Centerpiece: Serve it as the star of your Easter table.
• Toasted with Honey: Lightly toast and drizzle with honey.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair with berries for a fresh contrast.
• As a Gift: Wrap beautifully and give to family or friends.
• With Whipped Butter: Enhance the soft texture with flavored butter.
• With Soft Cheese: Serve with mascarpone or ricotta for extra richness.
• As French Toast: Use leftovers for a decadent breakfast treat.
• With Powdered Sugar: Dust with sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Yeast – Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for a perfect rise. Proof it in warm milk with sugar before adding to the dough.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Eggs, milk, and butter should be at room temperature to create a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
• Knead Thoroughly – Knead the dough until it’s soft, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. This helps develop gluten for a light, airy texture.
• Allow Proper Rising Time – Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. Rushing the process can lead to dense bread.
• Enhance Flavor – Add citrus zest, vanilla extract, or a splash of rum for extra depth and aroma.
• Use a Light Touch for Braiding – Avoid pulling too tightly when braiding the dough to maintain an even shape and soft texture.
• Egg Wash for a Golden Crust – Brush the bread with a mixture of egg yolk and milk before baking to achieve a shiny, golden-brown finish.
• Check for Doneness – Tap the bottom of the baked bread; a hollow sound means it’s fully baked. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is ideal.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing – Let the bread cool on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming dense or gummy inside.
• Store Properly – Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Easter Bread: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist.
• Almond Glazed Bread: Drizzle with an almond glaze for added sweetness.
• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat for a heartier texture.
• Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Lemon Easter Bread: Swap orange zest for lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes.
• Dried Fruit Bread: Fold in raisins or cranberries for added flavor.
• Honey-Sweetened Version: Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
• Savory Twist: Reduce sugar and add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Italian-Style Pane di Pasqua: Use anise extract for a traditional Italian touch.

Special Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Optional, but helps with kneading.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the bread.
• Pastry Brush: To apply egg wash evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool properly.

FAQ Section

1. What is Easter Bread?
   Easter Bread is a sweet, enriched bread traditionally made during Easter celebrations. It often includes eggs, sugar, and butter, with variations featuring dried fruit, nuts, or colorful sprinkles.
2. What makes Easter Bread different from regular bread?
   Easter Bread is typically sweeter and richer than everyday bread due to the addition of eggs, butter, and sugar.
3. Why does Easter Bread have eggs baked into it?
   In many cultures, the eggs symbolize rebirth and new life, which aligns with the Easter holiday’s theme of renewal and resurrection.
4. How do I get a soft and fluffy texture?
   Use warm milk, fresh yeast, and let the dough rise in a warm place. Kneading properly and allowing enough resting time will also ensure a light and airy texture.
5. Can I make Easter Bread without yeast?
   Traditional Easter Bread requires yeast for its characteristic texture, but you can make a quick version using baking powder or baking soda for a denser, cake-like bread.
6. How long does Easter Bread stay fresh?
   Easter Bread stays fresh for about 2–3 days at room temperature.
7. Can I freeze Easter Bread?
   Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can last up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
8. What are common toppings or decorations?
   Traditional Easter Bread may be topped with colored sprinkles, pearl sugar, or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Some variations include whole eggs baked into the dough.
9. Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
   Absolutely! Many people add raisins, candied fruit, nuts, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor.
10. Is Easter Bread the same in every culture?
    No, different cultures have unique variations. Italian Pane di Pasqua, Greek Tsoureki, and Russian Kulich all have their own traditions and ingredients.

Conclusion

Easter Bread is a soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully braided bread traditionally enjoyed during the holiday. Often decorated with colorful sprinkles or nestled with dyed eggs, this festive bread has a light, fluffy texture and a hint of vanilla or citrus flavor, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Easter table.

This recipe is easy to customize—add raisins or nuts for extra texture, infuse with orange or lemon zest for a bright twist, or glaze with honey for extra sweetness. Whether served as a breakfast treat or alongside your holiday meal, this Easter Bread is sure to bring joy to your celebration!

I can’t wait to see how your Easter Bread turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!