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+ servings
Italian Easter Bread

Delight in Homemade Italian Easter Bread for a Festive Celebration

Experience the joy of making Italian Easter Bread, a traditional treat perfect for your holiday table.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 28 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 58 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Can use 2% milk or water as a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Provides sweetness and feeds the yeast.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Essential for rising the dough; instant yeast can be substituted.
  • 3 Large Eggs Contributes moisture, richness, and helps bind the ingredients.
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Gives structure to the bread.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Ensure it's softened for easy incorporation.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Orange Extract Optional; adds a subtle citrus flavor.
For Decoration
  • 1/2 cup Rainbow Nonpareils Used for decoration; alternatives include sprinkles.

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Baking Sheet
  • Bowls
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Easter Bread
  1. Step 1: Dye the Easter Eggs - Mix together 1 cup of hot water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and food coloring. Submerge boiled eggs for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Make the Brioche Dough - In a stand mixer, combine 1 cup warm whole milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla; mix well. Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup softened butter until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Let the Dough Rise - Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Shape the Dough - Punch down the dough, divide into three pieces, roll into strands, and braid to form a wreath shape.
  5. Step 5: Prepare for the Second Rise - Place the braided wreath on a parchment-lined baking sheet, secure the dyed eggs in the center, cover, and let rise for 30 to 60 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Bake the Bread - Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush wreath with an egg wash, sprinkle with nonpareils, and bake for 25-28 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Step 7: Cool and Serve - Let the bread cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, knead the dough for 10 minutes and ensure the eggs are secured in the bread to prevent rolling out during baking.

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