Traditional Italian Easter Bread

Celebrate Easter the Italian way with this beautifully festive Traditional Italian Easter Bread! This soft and slightly sweet braided bread is enriched with milk, butter, and eggs, resulting in a tender, pillow-like texture. A splash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic note, while the vibrant colored raw eggs nestled in the braid make it a centerpiece-worthy treat. Topped with sprinkles for a pop of color and baked to golden perfection, this bread not only tastes amazing but also offers a stunning visual appeal perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether enjoyed as is or paired with your favorite Easter dishes, this nostalgic recipe is a delightful way to embrace tradition and create lasting memories. Keywords: Italian Easter bread, braided bread recipe, Easter baking, holiday bread, festive bread.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter
• 3 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 6 Colored raw eggs (optional for decoration)
• 3 tablespoons Sprinkles

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm (110°F).

Step 3

Add the warm milk mixture, 2 eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 4

Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a rope, approximately 16 inches long.

Step 7

Braid the three ropes together on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching the ends to seal. Optionally, tuck the colored raw eggs into the braid, spacing them evenly.

Step 8

Cover the braided dough with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the dough for a golden finish.

Step 10

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Optional: Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1405.4 grams (1405.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3525

Total Fat 92.10g	118%
Saturated Fat 33.50g	168%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 1759mg	586%
Sodium 3098mg	135%
Total Carbohydrate 562.40g	205%
Dietary Fiber 15.10g	54%
Total Sugars 185.00g
Protein 114.80g	230%

Vitamin D 467IU	2337%
Calcium 609mg	47%
Iron 31mg	173%
Potassium 1542mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.4%

Protein: 13.0%

Carbs: 63.6%