Easter Bread
Easter Bread is a rich, flavorful treat with a tender crumb, infused with orange and apricot brandy. Its golden crust and soft interior make it perfect for festive gatherings or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy aromatic, buttery baked goods with a hint of citrus and fruitiness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm butter, sugar, and milk to 105°F.
- Dissolve yeast in a little warm water and mix with the warm milk mixture.
- Beat egg yolks and add to the milk mixture.
- Add other ingredients (orange rind, juice, vanilla, apricot brandy) and blend.
- Mix in 4 cups of bread flour and blend until smooth.
- Add enough extra flour to make the dough workable.
- Knead the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1/2 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape into one large loaf or two smaller loaves.
- Let the shaped loaves rise again until doubled in size.
- Bake at 300°F for 10 minutes, then bake at 325°F for about 55 minutes until nicely browned.
- Check smaller loaves early to see if done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. If you can't find cake yeast, you can substitute with 2 packets of active dry yeast. Make sure your milk is warm but not too hot to preserve the yeast's effectiveness. Kneading the dough well will ensure a light and fluffy texture, crucial for this Easter bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Easter bread warm or at room temperature, ideally with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a glass of milk, making it a great addition to your Easter brunch table. You might also enjoy it alongside Grannie'S Coconut Lemon Bars for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easter Bread contains roughly 665 calories, with 23g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?
Using whole eggs will alter the bread's texture, making it denser. However, if you prefer, you can use 3 whole eggs in place of the 6 yolks for a similar effect. Just be mindful that the richness may be slightly reduced.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it's a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F. For smaller loaves, start checking around the 45-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries and nuts such as walnuts or almonds can add delightful texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly to accommodate the extra moisture from the fruit.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).