Go Back
–+ servings
Italian Easter Bread

Perfectly Fluffy Italian Easter Bread to Celebrate Spring

This Italian Easter Bread is a delightful centerpiece filled with tradition, perfect for family gatherings and spring celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Warm Milk between 105°F - 115°F
  • 2 tablespoons Active Dry Yeast essential for leavening
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar adds sweetness
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour add more if sticky
  • 1/4 cup Butter (melted and cooled) enhances flavor
  • 2 large Eggs brings richness
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Lemon Zest for citrus flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt essential for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Almond Extract for subtle nutty flavor
For Decoration
  • 4 raw eggs Raw Eggs (for decoration) must be raw
  • 1 egg yolk Egg Wash mix with 1 tbsp water

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • dough hook
  • Oven
  • Wire rack
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, eggs, melted butter, sugar, lemon zest, and almond extract.
  3. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. If sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
  5. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  7. Punch down the dough, divide into two portions, and roll into strips. Braid them together.
  8. Insert raw eggs into the braids and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush dough with egg wash and bake for about 20 minutes until golden.
  10. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Perfect for family gatherings and spring celebrations. Experiment with flavors to suit your taste.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!