Easter bread is a delightful, sweet loaf that fills your kitchen with the warm smell of freshly baked goodness. Imagine pulling a golden-brown loaf from the oven, its crust crackling as you slice into it, revealing a soft, pillowy interior waiting to be slathered in butter.
This charming bread isn’t just for Easter; it’s perfect for any spring gathering, filling your heart and home with nostalgia and joy. The fluffy dough is often braided and adorned with colorful sprinkles or hard-boiled eggs, making it a centerpiece worthy of any table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easter bread is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Its sweet, rich flavor will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- The beautiful braided shape adds visual appeal that will impress your guests.
- Enjoy this versatile bread as breakfast, dessert, or a snack throughout the day.
I remember the first time I made Easter bread—it was a chaotic adventure in my tiny kitchen! Flour covered every surface, and my dog was more interested in sniffing out the crumbs than helping me. But when I finally pulled that fragrant loaf out of the oven, my family’s delighted faces made every messy moment worth it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best structure and texture in your bread.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that tender crumb we all love.
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for that perfect rise; no one likes flat bread.
Warm Milk: Just warm enough to activate yeast without cooking it; think baby bottle temperature.
Eggs: These will give richness and color to your dough; go for large eggs!
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it adds flavor and moisture.
Salt: Balance out the sweetness with a pinch of salt; it’s essential for flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds an aromatic depth that elevates this lovely bread.
Zest of Lemon or Orange: Citrus zest brightens up flavors; use fresh zest for maximum impact.
Colored Sprinkles (optional): For festive flair; who doesn’t love sprinkles on their Easter bread?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easter Bread
Activate Your Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit until frothy—like a bubbly potion ready to make magic happen!
Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and your activated yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
Knead Away!: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should feel soft but not sticky—like a comforting hug!
Let It Rise Like Magic!: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and leave it in a warm place until doubled in size—about an hour should do the trick.
Braid Your Bread: Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into three equal pieces and roll each into long strands. Braid them together like you’re weaving some tasty art!
Bake to Perfection!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let rise again while you preheat—then bake for around 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Just like that, you’ve created an irresistible Easter bread that’s bound to become a family favorite! Enjoy warm with butter or let it cool completely before slicing.
Baking this Easter bread is not just about following steps; it’s about creating memories that will last much longer than those crumbs on your kitchen floor!
Content
Tip: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs and spices elevate the Easter bread significantly. I learned this when I switched from dried thyme to fresh; the aroma was heavenly!
Tip: Knead until smooth for perfect texture. Proper kneading develops gluten, giving the bread a delightful chewiness. My grandmother always said, “Knead like you mean it!”
Tip: Allow adequate rising time. Patience is key as it enhances flavor and texture. I once rushed this step, and my bread turned out as flat as my last date!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by activating your yeast, then mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining them. This method ensures even distribution of flavors and optimal rise.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional dried fruit for your favorite nuts or chocolate chips. You can also experiment with different glazes to make each loaf uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in a low oven for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your yeast is fresh to avoid flat bread while mixing your ingredients gradually helps maintain texture.
- Always measure flour correctly for light and fluffy results, as too much can lead to a dense loaf.
Once, I baked this Easter bread for a family gathering, and everyone raved about it! My cousin even asked for the recipe—definitely a proud moment in my baking journey.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour for Easter bread? Whole wheat flour can be used but may alter the texture slightly.
How long does Easter bread last? Properly stored, Easter bread lasts up to four days at room temperature.
Can I freeze leftover Easter bread? Yes, you can freeze it; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Easter Bread
Easter bread is a sweet, fluffy loaf that brings warmth and joy to your home. Its delightful aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, while its braided shape and colorful sprinkles make it a stunning centerpiece for any spring gathering. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this easy-to-make bread will have everyone asking for more. With a rich flavor and tender crumb, it’s not just an Easter treat—it’s a delicious way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk with sugar and yeast in a small bowl; let sit until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough gently, divide into three pieces, roll into strands, and braid together.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the braided loaf on parchment-lined baking sheet; let rise again while preheating.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy warm or allow to cool before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating nuts or chocolate chips into the dough. To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or freeze wrapped tightly in plastic.
