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–+ servings
Italian Easter Bread

Italian Easter Bread: A Sweet Tradition for Spring Celebrations

Italian Easter Bread is a delightful and sweet centerpiece for spring celebrations, embodying cherished family traditions.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 18 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 3 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Milk non-dairy milk optional
  • 4 tablespoons Butter unsalted recommended
  • 2.25 teaspoons Instant Yeast can substitute with active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 cup Sugar can substitute with honey
  • 2 large Eggs separate for dough and wash
  • 4 cups Flour all-purpose or bread flour
For the Decorations
  • 6 Dyed Easter Eggs pre-boiled for safety
  • 0.5 cup Sprinkles pastel colors preferred

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • saucepan
  • Stand Mixer
  • Baking Sheet
  • Whisk
  • Thermometer
  • towel
  • plastic wrap
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Easter Bread
  1. Warm the Ingredients: Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until 120-130°F, then set aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together yeast, salt, and sugar, then add eggs and the milk-butter mixture.
  3. Mix the Dough: Gradually add flour to the yeast mixture, mixing for 8-12 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
  4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until elastic, then place in a greased bowl to rest.
  5. Shape the Dough: After rising for 45-60 minutes, divide into 6 pieces, roll into ropes, and braid them together.
  6. Second Rise: Let the braided dough rise for another 30-45 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F and brush the risen dough with an egg wash.
  8. Bake the Bread: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown, then cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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