Nothing says Easter quite like the beautifully braided and golden-brown Easter Bread with a colorful egg nestled in the center. This traditional Italian and Greek-inspired sweet bread is soft, lightly sweetened, and infused with a hint of citrus zest, making it the perfect addition to your Easter celebration. Not only is it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table, but it’s also a delicious treat that pairs well with butter, jam, or even a drizzle of honey.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making Easter Bread, share variations and expert tips, and answer common questions to ensure your bread turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Bread Recipe
- Beautiful & Festive: The braided bread and colorful Easter egg in the center make it a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Lightly Sweet & Flavorful: A touch of sugar, vanilla, and citrus zest add the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.
- Easy to Make: While it looks impressive, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: You can customize it with different fillings, toppings, or even swap out the egg for a chocolate surprise!
- Great for Gifting: Wrap up a loaf in a festive ribbon and share it with friends and family.
Ingredients for Easter Bread
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (divided into 2 cups and 2 cups)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons rapid rise instant yeast (1 package)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon milk
For Decoration:
- Dyed Easter eggs (uncooked, NOT hardboiled)
- Colorful sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easter Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, lemon zest, and orange zest. Stir with a spoon and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, heat milk and butter until warm (not boiling). Heat in 10-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Add the warmed milk mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix until the consistency is similar to cake batter.
- Slowly add the remaining 2 cups of flour, mixing continuously until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Knead with the dough hook for 8 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rest
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand a few times to shape it into a ball.
- Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Shape the Easter Bread
- Punch down the dough to remove air and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into an 11-inch rope.
- Take two ropes, pinch them together at the top, and braid them.
- Form the braided dough into a ring and pinch the ends together.
- Place the rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven & Add Decorations
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of milk to create an egg wash.
- Brush the surface of each dough ring with the egg wash.
- Carefully nestle an uncooked dyed Easter egg in the center of each ring.
- Sprinkle the dough with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
Step 5: Bake the Easter Bread
- Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
- The bread should be golden brown, and the egg should be soft-boiled inside.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a cooling rack before serving.
Easter Bread Variations & Customizations
- Chocolate Easter Bread: Swap out the traditional egg for a chocolate egg after baking.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to the dough.
- Raisin or Cranberry Easter Bread: Mix in ½ cup of dried fruit for a fruity twist.
- Glazed Easter Bread: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
How to Store Easter Bread
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3 days (remove the eggs and store them in the fridge).
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months (remove eggs before freezing).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Hard-Boiled Eggs Instead?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use pre-boiled eggs, but they may overcook in the oven.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! After kneading, refrigerate the dough overnight and continue with shaping and rising the next day.
Can I Make Mini Easter Breads?
Absolutely! Instead of 4 large rings, make 8-10 smaller rings and bake for 15 minutes.
What Can I Serve with Easter Bread?
- Butter and jam
- Cream cheese spread
- Fresh fruit and honey
- Scrambled eggs or bacon for a savory pairing
Final Thoughts
This Easter Bread recipe is a delightful and festive way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. The soft, citrus-infused bread pairs beautifully with the colorful Easter egg in the center, making it a true showstopper. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter or dress it up with a glaze, this bread is a must-have for your Easter table.
Print
🥚✨ Easter Bread – A Festive & Beautiful Tradition! 🍞🌸
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 pieces
Description
Nothing says Easter like the sweet aroma of homemade Easter Bread baking in the oven! This soft, slightly sweet bread with a colorful egg nestled in the center is a showstopper on any holiday table. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or toast it the next day, this bread is a family favorite that brings joy to all. 💛
Ingredients
For the Dough:
✔️ 1 cup whole milk
✔️ ¼ cup butter
✔️ 4 cups all-purpose flour (divided: 2 cups + 2 cups)
✔️ ⅓ cup granulated sugar
✔️ 2¼ tsp rapid rise instant yeast (1 packet)
✔️ Zest of 1 lemon
✔️ Zest of 1 orange
✔️ 2 eggs
✔️ 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
✔️ 1 egg
✔️ 1 tsp milk
For Decoration:
✔️ Dyed uncooked Easter eggs (NOT hardboiled)
✔️ Colorful sprinkles
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest. Set aside.
2️⃣ Warm the Milk & Butter: Microwave in 10-second intervals until warm (not boiling).
3️⃣ Make the Dough: Add eggs, vanilla, and warmed milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix with a stand mixer using a dough hook for 1 minute (it should resemble cake batter).
4️⃣ Knead: Slowly add remaining 2 cups of flour while mixing until the dough is smooth (about 8 minutes). If too sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time.
5️⃣ Rest: Place dough on a lightly floured surface, knead a few times, form a ball, and let it rest in a covered bowl for 15 minutes.
6️⃣ Shape the Rings: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into an 11-inch rope. Twist two ropes together, then form a ring and pinch the ends together.
7️⃣ Second Rise: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
8️⃣ Preheat Oven to 375°F.
9️⃣ Egg Wash & Decorate: Brush dough with egg wash, place a dyed uncooked egg in the center, and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
🔟 Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Let cool on a rack & enjoy warm!
Notes
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 3 days (remove the eggs).
- In the fridge, it lasts 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months (remove eggs first).
💡 Fun Tip: Don’t want a real egg in the middle? Replace it with a chocolate egg after baking for a kid-approved treat! 🍫🐣
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes