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Simple Tender Easter Bread Recipe

Soft and fluffy Tender Easter Bread infused with warm spices, citrus notes, and sweet dried fruit, perfect for holiday brunches and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 –12 servings
Course: Bread
Cuisine: European
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 3/4 cup mixed candied citrus peel
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup powdered sugar optional glaze
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice optional glaze

Method
 

  1. Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast and let sit until frothy.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
  3. Mix eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
  4. Add yeast and egg mixtures to dry ingredients and mix to form dough.
  5. Knead dough until smooth and elastic.
  6. Fold in candied citrus peel and raisins.
  7. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
  8. Shape dough and place in greased loaf pan.
  9. Cover and let rise again until puffy.
  10. Bake until golden and cooked through.
  11. Cool completely and drizzle with glaze if desired.

Notes

Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly and knead until the dough passes the windowpane test.