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Italian Easter Bread

Delightful Italian Easter Bread: A Festive Sweet Tradition

Delightful Italian Easter Bread is a vibrant and festive sweet tradition, perfect for celebrating family and community during Easter.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 18 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 28 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Milk Substitution: Non-dairy milk can be used if necessary.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Use unsalted to control salt levels. For a vegan option, substitute with plant-based butter.
  • 1 packet Instant Yeast Substitution: Active dry yeast can be used but must be proofed first.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs One additional egg for the egg wash.
  • 4 cups All-purpose flour
For Decoration
  • 6 pieces Dyed Easter Eggs Use pre-boiled eggs for safety if intended for consumption.
  • 1 cup Sprinkles Ideally in pastel colors for Easter.

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Easter Bread
  1. Warm the Milk and Butter: Gently heat the milk and butter in a saucepan over low heat until melted, reaching 120-130°F. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Whisk together, add the two eggs, warm milk, and butter mixture, stir well, and mix in two cups of flour until smooth.
  3. Combine and Knead the Dough: Transfer to a stand mixer and mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Gradually add the remaining flour and mix for approximately 12 minutes until stiff yet slightly sticky.
  4. Knead by Hand: Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as necessary.
  5. Rest the Dough: Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for about 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
  6. Shape the Dough: Divide dough into six pieces, roll into 14-inch ropes, braid them into wreath shapes, and arrange on a baking sheet.
  7. Allow to Rise: Cover the wreaths and place them in a warm area to rise for about 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  8. Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the wreaths with an egg wash and place the dyed eggs in the center.
  9. Bake the Bread: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and the dough rises around the eggs.
  10. Cool Before Serving: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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