Description
Celebrate Easter with this Italian Easter Bread with Dyed Eggs! This traditional, sweet, braided bread is adorned with colorful, hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing the resurrection. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. The beautiful braided design and vibrant eggs make it a festive centerpiece for your Easter table. Whether you enjoy it with your family or give it as a gift, this bread is sure to bring joy and flavor to your holiday celebration.
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/2 cup water, warmed to 110°F
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for sprinkling)
For the Topping:
- 4–6 hard-boiled eggs (dyed in pastel colors for Easter)
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until the dough begins to come together.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Bread: Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 12-15 inches long). Twist the ropes together into a braid and shape it into a circle. Pinch the ends together to form a round loaf.
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Add the Dyed Eggs: Gently press the hard-boiled, dyed eggs into the dough. You can place them symmetrically around the braid or in any pattern you prefer. Make sure the eggs are securely nestled into the dough.
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Let the Dough Rise Again: Cover the braided loaf with a clean towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
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Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the entire loaf to give it a golden color when baking.
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Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice the bread and serve. The dyed eggs can be eaten along with the bread or kept as a festive decoration.
Notes
- The dyed eggs are symbolic and can be eaten along with the bread or kept as part of the decoration.
- You can adjust the flavor of the bread by adding lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you prefer.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (for rising time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Bread, Easter, Holiday
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian