Description
This Italian Easter Bread is a delightful treat, showcasing irresistible flavors and simple preparation, perfect for festive occasions or as a homemade indulgence. Its key ingredients like warm milk, active yeast, and vibrant sprinkles make it a must-try for anyone seeking delicious homemade recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 4 dyed eggs, (uncooked)
- Multicolored nonpareils or sprinkles
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the sponge: Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk and allow to foam for 5 to 10 minutes. Combine with sugar, eggs, and flour until like pancake batter. Cover and set aside to rise for 30 minutes.
- Make the dough: Add flour, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, and zests to the sponge. Mix with a dough hook on low speed until it forms a ball, then knead on medium for 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough: Punch down and divide into 8 equal portions (120 to 125g each).
- Shape the loaves: Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope, twist two ropes together to form a wreath, and pinch ends underneath.
- Second rise: Place shaped loaves on parchment-lined sheets, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until puffy.
- Preheat the oven: Set racks in upper and lower thirds and preheat to 400°F.
- Decorate: Nestle a dyed uncooked egg in each loaf's center, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with nonpareils.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until golden, rotating pans halfway through.
- Cool: Transfer loaves to a wire rack and cool before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
This bread can be made a day in advance and served the next day.
Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite sprinkles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg