Delightful Easter Bread Recipe for Spring Celebrations

The aroma of freshly baked Easter bread wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Imagine breaking into that golden-brown crust to reveal a soft, fluffy interior that practically melts in your mouth. This sweet delight isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that brings families together during the joyful Easter season.

Easter bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of love and celebration. Growing up, my family always made this special bread every spring. The kitchen buzzed with excitement as we kneaded dough and braided it together like our hopes for the new season. Trust me; you’ll want to make this tradition part of your own family’s festivities.

I still remember the look on my grandma’s face when we unveiled our first attempt at baking this bread. Spoiler alert: it was a delicious success.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it gives that desired fluffiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
• Active Dry Yeast: Opt for fresh yeast to ensure that your dough rises perfectly.
• Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and enriches the dough’s flavor.
• Eggs: Eggs add richness and moisture; they also help bind everything together.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; melted butter adds richness.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors—don’t skip it.
• Zest of Lemon or Orange: Adds a bright note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Sprinkles (optional): For a festive touch. Go wild with colors if you like.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Activate the Yeast: Begin by warming the milk until it’s just lukewarm—think cozy bath temperature. Sprinkle yeast over the milk and let it sit until frothy.

Create Your Dough Base: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center and add eggs and melted butter before pouring in your frothy yeast mixture.

Knead Away.: Mix everything until combined. Flour your surface generously and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic—this workout will pay off.

Let It Rise.: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour feels like an eternity but hang in there.

Braid It Up.: Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide it into three equal parts and roll each part into long ropes. Braid them together carefully—think of it as making hair for your dough baby.

Bake to Perfection.: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your braid on a lined baking sheet, cover again, and let rise for another 30 minutes before brushing with egg wash. Bake until golden brown—around 25-30 minutes—and enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen.

Now you’ve not only made an incredible Easter bread but also created memories that will last long after all the crumbs have been swept away.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients before adding eggs and milk for even distribution. Then, knead until smooth and let rise in a warm spot for best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out raisins for chocolate chips or add citrus zest for a zesty twist. Personalizing this recipe can create unique flavors that excite your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store Easter Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

I remember the first time I made Easter Bread; my kitchen smelled so delightful that my neighbors knocked on my door asking what I was baking.

FAQ

What is Easter Bread?

Easter Bread is a sweet, enriched bread traditionally baked for Easter celebrations.

Can I use different fillings in Easter Bread?

Absolutely. Feel free to experiment with fillings like nuts or dried fruits based on preference.

How do I know when my Easter Bread is done?

The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom for doneness.

Print

Easter Bread

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Easter Bread is a delightful, sweet, and fluffy treat that captures the essence of spring celebrations. Its beautifully braided design makes it perfect for sharing with loved ones.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Broadly applicable

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Active Dry Yeast
• Milk
• Eggs
• Unsalted Butter
• Salt
• Lemon or Orange Zest
• Optional Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk to lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast over the milk and let it sit until frothy.
2. Create Your Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and zest. Make a well in the center, add eggs and melted butter, then pour in the yeast mixture.
3. Knead the Dough: Combine ingredients and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Let It Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1 hour).
5. Braid the Dough: Punch down risen dough, divide into three parts, roll into ropes, and braid them together.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place braid on a lined baking sheet; cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. Brush with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Experiment with flavors by adding chocolate chips or dried fruits for unique variations. Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze slices wrapped tightly for longer freshness.