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Italian Easter Bread Recipe

Delightful Italian Easter Bread Recipe for Your Holiday Table

This Italian Easter Bread Recipe is a visually stunning and delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 48 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup Milk Use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
  • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter Coconut oil can be an alternative for dairy-free versions.
  • 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast Active dry yeast can be used but needs to be proofed first.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Kosher salt is a good option.
  • ¼ cup Sugar Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
  • 2 large Eggs Use separate eggs for the dough and egg wash.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Bread flour for a chewier texture.
Decoration Ingredients
  • 6 Dyed Easter Eggs Use pre-boiled eggs or plastic eggs if not consuming them.
  • Sprinkles Choose pastel colors for a traditional look.

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Stand mixer
  • Dough hook
  • floured surface
  • Oven
  • Baking sheets
  • Cooling Rack

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan, gently heat 1 cup of milk and ¼ cup of unsalted butter over low heat until the mixture reaches 120–130°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 2 beaten eggs followed by the warmed milk mixture.
  3. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour, stirring until smooth and cohesive.
  4. Continue adding remaining flour, about 1 to 2 cups at a time, until the dough becomes stiff. Knead for approximately 12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 3–4 minutes.
  6. Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rest in a warm environment for about 10 minutes.
  7. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces, roll into long ropes, and braid into wreaths, placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  8. Cover the wreaths with a towel and let them rise for 45–60 minutes, or until they double in size.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush wreaths with an egg wash, sprinkle with decorations, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

This bread is best enjoyed fresh and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Consider preparing the dough a day ahead for convenience.

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