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italian easter bread

italian easter bread

This traditional Italian Easter bread, also known as 'Pane di Pasqua,' is a sweet and soft bread that is often braided and adorned with colorful eggs. It’s a delicious centerpiece for your Easter celebration.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast/Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 dough hook (or wooden spoon)
  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 parchment paper
  • 1 plastic wrap
  • 1 oven

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed At 110°F.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • food coloring Optional, for decorating.
  • 4-8 dyed, uncooked eggs for decoration

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
  • Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a dough hook or wooden spoon, until a soft dough begins to form.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into long strands about 12-14 inches long.
  • Braid the three strands together to form a loaf. Shape the braided loaf into a circle and tuck the ends under. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Decorate the braided bread with dyed eggs, placing them in the braid as desired.
  • Cover the bread loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

You can add different flavorings like orange, lemon, or anise extracts to enhance the taste.
For a glossy finish, brush the bread with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water) before baking.
Preserve the dyed eggs in the bread; they can be eaten after baking or used as decoration.