Easter Egg Bread
Easter Egg Bread is a festive, colorful bread adorned with hard-boiled eggs and sprinkles, perfect for celebrating springtime and family gatherings with sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald milk; add sugar, salt, and shortening.
- Cool to lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast on warm water; stir to dissolve.
- Add to milk mixture 2 eggs slightly beaten and 2 1/2 cups flour.
- Beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a large greased bowl, turn to coat.
- Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, until doubled.
- Punch down; cover and let rise again until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into 4 equal parts.
- Form each part into a 36-inch rope.
- On a greased baking sheet, twist 2 ropes into a loosely braided ring, leaving space for 6 eggs.
- Insert 6 eggs into the spaces.
- Repeat with the remaining 2 ropes of dough.
- Cover and let rise until doubled. Brush with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider replacing half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast at a 1:1 ratio. Ensure your milk is not too hot when adding to avoid killing the yeast. For added flavor, you can mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest.
Serving Suggestions
This festive bread is delightful served warm as a centerpiece for Easter brunch. Pair it with a light fruit salad or a sweet cream cheese spread for added flavor. It also complements dishes like the Apple Mystery Dessert or can be enjoyed on its own with coffee or tea, making it a versatile treat for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Easter Egg Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easter Egg Bread contains roughly 1228 calories, with 11g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 863mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come back to room temperature before shaping and baking it. This method can enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of colored sprinkles?
If you prefer a healthier option, consider topping the bread with chopped nuts or dried fruit. You can also use a drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Easter Egg Bread is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish. However, if you want to make it vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer.
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).