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Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe

Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe for Joyful Celebrations

This Traditional Italian Easter Bread recipe brings joy and festivity to your celebrations with its delightful flavors and beautiful presentation.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
First Rise 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups Flour can be swapped with gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 cup Sugar lessen for a less sweet taste
  • 3 large Eggs for best results use large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Butter consider margarine for a vegan option
  • 1 cup Warm Milk feel free to use non-dairy milk
  • 2 tablespoons Yeast check freshness for good rise
  • 1 tablespoon Citrus Zest (lemon/orange) reduce or skip to preference
For Decoration
  • 6 pieces Dyed Eggs use hard-boiled for safety

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • mixing spoon
  • Floured Surface
  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Cloth or Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. Gently heat your milk until warm but not boiling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with yeast and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Gradually mix in flour, sugar, eggs, softened butter, and citrus zest.
  2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough, divide it into three equal pieces, roll each into a long rope about 12-14 inches, and braid them together.
  5. Press the dyed hard-boiled eggs into the braids, positioning evenly within the twists.
  6. Cover the braided dough with a clean cloth and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an egg wash by whisking an egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over the dough. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

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