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italian easter bread

italian easter bread

Italian Easter Bread, known as “Pane di Pasqua,” is a sweet, braided bread enriched with eggs, symbolizing new life and rebirth. Traditionally enjoyed during the Easter festivities, this delightful bread is often decorated with colorful eggs.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Bread / Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 plastic wrap
  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 parchment paper
  • 1 oven

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter Melted.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4-6 colorful eggs (hard-boiled and dyed for decoration)
  • a little extra butter For greasing.

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
  • Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix using a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
  • Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope about 1 inch thick.
  • Braid the three ropes together to form a single loaf and shape it into a circle by pinching the ends together.
  • Carefully place the braided bread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently nestle the hard-boiled eggs into the braided dough.
  • Cover the bread with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, you can incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough.
Feel free to sprinkle colored sugar or glaze over the loaf for decoration once it has cooled.
The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.