Easter Bread is a traditional, sweet bread that brings a touch of festive joy to any Easter celebration. Its soft, fluffy texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for the holiday table. This bread is often braided and adorned with colorful sprinkles or decorative eggs, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Making Easter Bread is more than just a culinary activity; it’s a way to create cherished memories with family and friends. The process of kneading the dough, shaping the bread, and watching it rise is both therapeutic and rewarding. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through each step to ensure that your Easter Bread turns out perfectly.
This particular recipe for Delicious Easter Bread is easy to follow and produces a bread that is soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully fragrant. It’s ideal for serving alongside your Easter feast, or for enjoying on its own with a bit of butter or jam.
Ingredients for Delicious Easter Bread
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
For Decoration:
- Colored sprinkles or sugar crystals (optional)
- 4-6 dyed Easter eggs or plastic Easter eggs (optional)
How to Make Delicious Easter Bread
Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup warm milk and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the zest of 1 lemon.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the yeast mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough begins to form. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
Let the Dough Rise:
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, approximately 18-24 inches long.
- Braid the Dough: Pinch the three ropes together at one end and braid them together, pinching the ends to seal. Carefully transfer the braided dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the braided dough with a clean towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
Bake and Glaze the Bread:
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the glaze over the risen dough to give it a golden finish.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you are using dyed Easter eggs, you can place them on the dough before baking, or you can add plastic Easter eggs for decoration after baking.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before serving. If desired, you can brush the bread with additional melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
Decorate the Bread (Optional):
- Add Sprinkles: Once the bread is cool, you can add colored sprinkles or sugar crystals for a festive touch.
- Decorate with Easter Eggs: If you used plastic Easter eggs, you can place them on the bread for a fun and decorative finish.
About the Main Ingredients
Active Dry Yeast:
Active dry yeast is a key ingredient that helps the dough rise and gives the bread its fluffy texture. It’s important to ensure that the yeast is fresh and active for the best results. The yeast needs to be dissolved in warm milk to activate it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour:
All-purpose flour provides structure to the bread. It absorbs the moisture and helps the dough hold its shape. The flour should be measured correctly to ensure the right dough consistency.
Unsalted Butter:
Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the bread. It should be softened to room temperature to mix easily with the other ingredients and to create a tender texture in the bread.
Lemon Zest:
Lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread. It enhances the overall flavor profile and provides a lovely aroma.
Vanilla Extract:
Vanilla extract is used to add depth and a pleasant aroma to the bread. It pairs well with the other flavors and contributes to the overall sweetness of the dough.
Delicious Easter Bread is a delightful recipe that combines traditional flavors with a festive presentation. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply enjoying a special treat, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the process of making it and savor the delicious results!
