Easter Sweet Bread
Easter Sweet Bread is a festive, flavorful bread with a tender crumb, enriched with lemon and vanilla. Its braided, circular shape is decorated with colorful candies, making it perfect for holiday celebrations or special gatherings. The warm, sweet aroma and soft texture make it a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, put the scalded milk.
- Mix the dry yeast with 1/4 cup warm water and let it activate.
- Slowly beat in sugar, salt, and melted butter into the milk.
- Add beaten eggs and 1 cup of flour, then mix in slowly.
- Add the activated yeast mixture and mix well.
- Stir in vanilla and grated lemon rind.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, mixing until the dough is soft.
- Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Roll and braid the dough, forming it into a circle.
- Place the shaped dough on a cookie sheet and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Brush the top with a mixture of 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon milk.
- Sprinkle colored candies all over the dough.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your milk is scalded and cooled slightly before adding the yeast mixture to help with activation. For a richer flavor, consider substituting part of the butter with cream cheese. If you want a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought dough to form the braid, but homemade dough offers a delightful texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Easter Sweet Bread is perfect for brunch, served alongside a fresh fruit salad or a spread of creamy cheeses. It pairs beautifully with Miniature Pecan Tarts for a festive dessert table. You can also enjoy it toasted with butter or jam for breakfast, making it a versatile addition to your spring celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Easter Sweet Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a low oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easter Sweet Bread contains roughly 609 calories, with 13g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1468mg per serving (64% 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 use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply mix it with the dry ingredients instead of activating it in water. This will save you a step and still yield a delicious bread.
How can I make this recipe more festive?
To make your Easter Sweet Bread more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles or decorative icing on top after baking. You can also incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for added flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise the night before, then shape it and let it rise again in the morning before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the bread ahead and store it, reheating it when ready to serve.
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).