Italian Easter Bread
Italian Easter Bread is a festive, sweet bread adorned with colorful eggs, combining tender dough with fragrant citrus peels and dried fruit. Its braided, ring-shaped design makes it perfect for celebratory gatherings, offering a delightful blend of sweetness, citrus aroma, and chewy texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften yeast in warm water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled scalded milk, softened butter, sugar, salt, egg yolks, citron, lemon and orange peel, and raisins.
- Mix in 1 cup of sifted flour.
- Add the softened yeast to the mixture.
- Beat in the remaining flour until smooth and elastic.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl.
- Brush the top with oil and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Divide 2/3 of the dough into 4 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into an 18-inch long roll, about 1 inch wide.
- Twist two rolls into a circle or nest shape and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Place colored eggs inside the dough rings.
- Shape the remaining two rolls similarly and place them on the sheet.
- Roll 6 thin strips from the remaining dough and crisscross over the eggs and dough rings.
- Brush the top with butter and let rise again for 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then drizzle with a mixture of 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon milk.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of scalded milk. You can also substitute dried cranberries or currants for raisins if desired. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; it should bubble when activated. Kneading thoroughly is key to a good texture. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase confectioners' sugar in the drizzle.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Easter Bread is wonderful served plain or drizzled with the sweet glaze. It pairs beautifully with a side of Saucy Cheese Tortellini or a fresh salad for a festive brunch. For a delicious twist, serve it alongside some homemade Blender Pesto for an added flavor kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To refresh, you can warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, wrap in foil and heat gently to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Easter Bread contains roughly 2189 calories, with 79g protein, 447g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), and protein (158% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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. After kneading, place it in the refrigerator instead of letting it rise. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.
What can I use instead of active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast in a 1:1 ratio. There’s no need to dissolve instant yeast in water; simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients for the dough.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to include chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or substitute other dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Just be mindful of the moisture content to maintain the dough's consistency.
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).