Italian Easter Bread
Italian Easter Bread is a delightful, festive bread perfect for celebrating Easter. This recipe features a blend of traditional Italian flavors, zesty citrus, and a soft, airy texture that makes it irresistible. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven as a sweet or savory treat.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- - Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Whisk
- - Stand mixer with dough hook (or a sturdy spoon and hands for kneading)
- Rolling Pin
- - Baking tray lined with parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- ingredients =
- - 500g all-purpose flour
- - 100g sugar
- - ½ tsp salt
- - 7g active dry yeast
- - 3 eggs at room temperature
- - ½ cup milk
- - ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- - Zest of 1 orange
- - Zest of 1 lemon
- - ½ cup warm water adjust as needed
- - 3-4 colored eggs optional, for decorating
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk-butter mixture with the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center.
- Step 4: Pour the yeast mixture and eggs into the flour mixture. Stir gently until a dough begins to form.
- Step 5: Gradually add extra flour as needed to create a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Step 6: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes (or 7-8 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
- Step 7: Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 8: Once risen, roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a ring or braid it into a traditional loaf.
- Step 9: Allow the shaped dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes to enhance its light and airy texture.
- Step 10: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 11: Brush the top of the dough gently with an egg wash (one beaten egg) for a glossy finish.
- Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Step 13: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack before serving.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh and warm. For a festive touch, serve with a spread of sweet jams, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container to retain freshness.
calories = Approximately 250 per serving