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Italian Easter Bread

Italian Easter Bread: A Heartwarming Family Tradition

Celebrate spring with a loaf of traditional Italian Easter Bread, a joyful centerpiece for your celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
First Rise 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups Sugar Adjust to taste
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 0.25 cups Unsalted butter Softened
  • 1 cup Warm milk Whole milk preferred
  • 2 teaspoons Yeast Active dry or instant
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Citrus zest Optional
  • 4-6 Dyed hard-boiled eggs For decoration

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • baking sheet
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. Combine 1 cup of warm milk with 2 teaspoons of yeast and let it froth for 5-10 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk 4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  3. Add 3 large eggs and 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter to the mixture, then incorporate the yeast blend.
  4. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rising
  1. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
Shaping
  1. Punch down the dough, divide into three pieces, roll into ropes, and braid them together.
  2. Shape the braid into a circle or oval and insert the dyed hard-boiled eggs.
Pre-Bake Preparation
  1. Let the braided dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush an egg wash over the dough and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooling
  1. Remove from oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Serve with butter or jam for a delightful breakfast treat. A perfect addition to your Easter brunch spread.

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