I’m slowly making my way to a complete Easter meal! And today, I have this easy sweet Easter bread recipe to serve at your dinner table. I realize that I just did a hot cross buns recipe, but this bread is for my centerpiece surrounded by colorful dyed eggs. I love the braided texture, and I think traditionally, you put some of those colorful eggs inside the braids, too. You can just use those chocolate eggs wrapped in pastel foil for a no-fuss decoration. Mine will be served on a cake platter.
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What I Love About This Amazingly Easy Sweet Easter Bread Recipe
The zests of the different citrus really adds a unique flavor that differentiates it from other sweet bread recipes, or other holiday breads for that matter. I had a little trouble because I don’t own a zester, but a cheese grater (that should readily be available in the grocery store) also works.
I also just adore the colorful eggs! I had a lot of fun creating the rainbow, and they became a beautiful centerpiece. I almost didn’t want to eat any of it. I do enjoy using food as a decoration rather than buying stuff that I just need to move around my house. This way, it’s gone by the end of the meal … or I can stuff it in the fridge for later. Win, win.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen scale
- Zester
- Whisk or mixer
- Dough scraper
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen towel
- Rolling pin
Tips for Braiding Easter Bread
Creating a braided Easter bread is a tradition during the holiday season. The braids are not just for looks; they represent the connection of family, faith, and the renewal of spring. Here are practical tips to help you braid your Easter bread for a standout centerpiece.
1. Prepare the Dough: Ensure your dough is smooth, elastic, and not sticky. Divide it evenly for uniform braids.
2. Choose Your Braid: Start with a simple three-strand braid if you’re a beginner. For a more complex loaf, try a four or six-strand braid, which may take some practice.
3. Keep It Tight: Braid the dough tightly and evenly to prevent it from coming apart during rising and baking.
4. Secure the Ends: After braiding, tuck the ends underneath the loaf to secure them. This keeps the bread shaped properly while baking.
5. Second Rise is Essential: Allow the braided dough to rise again. This step is crucial for a light and airy texture. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until it has nearly doubled.
6. Baking: Brush the loaf with an egg wash before baking for a golden crust. If the bread browns too quickly, cover the top with foil.
Pairing Suggestions
- The star features is the ham, of course! Try out The Best Easter Ham.
- Try it with some spicy mustard. It’s delicious!
FAQs
- How can I store leftover Easter sweet bread? To store leftover Easter sweet bread, keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring it’s wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature.
- Can I make this bread gluten-free? For a gluten-free version of this Easter sweet bread, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Note that the texture may change slightly, and adjustments to liquid amounts might be necessary to get the dough consistency right.
- What are some dairy-free substitutions I can use? To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond milk and use a plant-based butter. Choose alternatives that have a neutral flavor to keep the bread’s original taste as much as possible.
- How do I braid the bread with the colored eggs? Braiding the bread with colored eggs involves dividing the dough into three equal parts, rolling each into a strand, and braiding them together. Carefully place the colored eggs between the braids, ensuring even spacing. The baking process will secure the eggs in place.
- What are some good pairings with this bread? This Easter sweet bread pairs well with a variety of foods. Soft cheeses, such as ricotta or cream cheese, complement its sweetness, while cold cuts offer a savory contrast. For a simple treat, enjoy it with jam and butter.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance? You can prepare the dough ahead of time by making it a day in advance. After its first rise, punch down the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Before baking, let the dough return to room temperature and proceed with the second rise.
- How do I ensure my bread is moist and tender? Ensuring your Easter sweet bread remains moist and tender involves not overbaking it and accurately measuring ingredients. A proper first rise before shaping the bread also helps create a tender texture.
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry? If you prefer fresh yeast, use three times the amount specified for dry yeast in the recipe. Activate the fresh yeast in a portion of the recipe’s liquid that’s been warmed, ensuring it’s not too hot, before incorporating it into the flour.
- What if my bread is browning too quickly in the oven? If your bread starts to brown too quickly while baking, tent it with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from burning and allows the bread to continue baking thoroughly without overbrowning.
- Can I add or substitute ingredients in the bread? Feel free to customize the bread by adding nuts or dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, to the dough. If substituting ingredients, maintain the balance between wet and dry components to keep the dough consistency similar.
- What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise? If your dough fails to rise, check that the yeast is not expired and that the liquid ingredients were at the correct temperature to activate the yeast without killing it. A warmer spot can also help the dough rise if your environment is cool.
- How do I know when the bread is fully baked? The bread is fully baked when it has a golden-brown color and reaches an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C). It should emit a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
- Are there any tips for making the glaze? For a smooth glaze, sift the powdered sugar beforehand to eliminate lumps. Mix it with lemon juice and milk, adjusting the thickness by adding more liquid if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Easy Sweet Easter Bread
Celebrate Easter with this beautifully sweet and aromatic bread, featuring a delicate citrus zest and a soft, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- zest of 1/2 orange
- zest of 1/2 lime
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh yeast
- 1/2 cup fresh milk, lukewarm
- 4 cups flour, sifted
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the fresh yeast along with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Allow the mixture to rise for 15-20 minutes until frothy.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Incorporate the lemon, lime, and orange zest. Mix the salt into the sifted flour and then combine with the egg mixture. Knead the dough for about 20 minutes. You may slap the dough against the table to better incorporate the ingredients. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be cautious not to add too much to avoid making the dough hard.
- Gradually mix in the melted butter and olive oil into the dough until fully absorbed.
- Once the dough is smooth and stops sticking to your hands, cover it and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours. Ensure it is covered with foil and a towel to prevent drying.
- After the first rise, shape the dough into a braid. Let it undergo a second rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Before baking, brush the braid with a mixture of beaten egg yolk and a little milk, then sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 30 minutes. If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking until done.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 440Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 86mgSodium 99mgCarbohydrates 70gFiber 2gSugar 21gProtein 10g
Nutrition automatically generated.
The Final: Amazingly Easy Sweet Easter Bread Recipe
