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Easy Traditional Italian Easter Bread Recipe

Classic Traditional Italian Easter Bread made with sweet citrus-infused dough, braided into a festive ring and decorated with colorful Easter eggs for a soft, fluffy holiday loaf.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 10 –12 servings
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • Dyed Easter eggs
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water egg wash

Method
 

  1. Mix warm milk and yeast and let sit until frothy.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Add butter, eggs, vanilla, zests, and yeast mixture and mix to form dough.
  4. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into three equal pieces.
  7. Roll into ropes, braid together, and form a ring.
  8. Place on baking sheet and gently press dyed eggs into the braid.
  9. Cover and let rise again until puffy.
  10. Brush with egg wash and bake until golden.

Notes

Use lukewarm milk to activate yeast and allow the dough to rise fully for a soft and fluffy texture.