Traditional Italian Easter Bread

🕒 Prep: 1 hour
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Traditional Italian Easter Bread, or "Pane di Pasqua," is a delightful way to celebrate the Easter season. This sweet, braided bread adorned with colorful dyed eggs is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoy making it with family and savor the rich flavors of vanilla and orange zest that make it truly special.

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Easter Bread

The heart of our bread is the all-purpose flour, providing the necessary structure. Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the citrus notes. Active dry yeast is the magic that makes the dough rise, leading to that lovely soft texture. Whole milk contributes to the bread's richness and keeps it tender. Unsalted butter brings in a creamy flavor, while vanilla extract and orange zest offer aromatic highlights. A pinch of salt enhances all these flavors. Eggs add richness and help bind everything together. Finally, dyed eggs and rainbow sprinkles make it festive and colorful.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your bread browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.
  • For a softer crust, brush the bread with milk before baking.
  • Use a stand mixer with a dough hook if kneading by hand is challenging.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pairs beautifully with a light spread of butter or a dollop of fruit preserves. For an extra indulgence, try it with a side of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey. It’s also a charming addition to any Easter brunch, alongside a fresh fruit salad or savory quiche.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread in advance?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 2-3 days.
What if I don't have dyed eggs?
You can use regular hard-boiled eggs. To keep the festive spirit, consider coloring them yourself with food-safe dye.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gently warming the whole milk in a small saucepan until it’s just warm, not hot. This is important because if it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. This frothy stage is your cue that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is well distributed. Now, add in the yeast mixture, softened butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, and three beaten eggs. Mix these ingredients until you have a sticky dough.

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Now comes the fun part: kneading. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth and elastic texture. Once ready, place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, divide the dough into three equal parts. Roll each into a 24-inch rope. Braid these ropes together, which might feel like a throwback to braiding hair. Form this braid into a circle and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Carefully nestle the dyed eggs into the braid. They should sit snugly without too much pressure. Sprinkle the top with rainbow sprinkles. Cover the loaf lightly and let it rise again for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for a light, airy bread.

Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the bread turns a lovely golden brown. Once baked, let it cool on a wire rack before serving. The cooling process helps set the crust, making it easier to slice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Perfect for festive gatherings or as a beautiful centerpiece on your holiday table.
  • A delightful combination of sweet and citrusy flavors with a soft, fluffy texture.
  • Fun family activity to involve everyone in the kitchen.

Ingredients

5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs
6 dyed eggs for decoration
1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not hot, and add the yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add the yeast mixture, butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, and 3 beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Roll each part into a 24-inch rope.
8. Braid the ropes together and form into a circle. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Gently tuck the dyed eggs into the braid and sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles.
10. Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

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