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–+ servings
Italian Easter Bread

Delicious Italian Easter Bread to Celebrate Spring's Joy

This Italian Easter Bread is a sweet, festive loaf celebrating spring with vibrant colors and rich flavors.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 2-¾ to 3-¼ cups all-purpose flour Use for right dough consistency
  • 1 cup sugar Can use honey for sweetness
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast Ensure it's fresh
  • 1 teaspoon salt Sea salt is best
  • 1 cup 2% milk Can substitute with almond milk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter Use for better control of saltiness
  • 3 large eggs Room temperature for better incorporation
Add-ins
  • 1 cup mixed candied fruit Festive flavor; raisins can substitute
  • ½ cup blanched almonds Crunchy texture; pecans can be used
  • 1 teaspoon aniseed Can replace with vanilla if desired
Decoration
  • 5 dyed uncooked eggs Symbolic decoration
Optional Glaze
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar For sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Can use almond extract for a twist
  • 2 tablespoons 2% milk Adjust for glaze thickness

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. Heat the milk and butter to 120°-130°F; pour into dry ingredients. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Add 2 eggs and enough flour to create a soft dough. Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  5. Punch down the dough, knead in add-ins and rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Divide into portions, roll into ropes, twist them together, forming a ring and securing ends.
  7. Place on greased baking sheet and insert dyed eggs, letting it rise for another 40 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush with egg wash and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Let cool on a wire rack. Optionally mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Check yeast freshness before starting and allow full resting times for best texture results.

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