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+ servings
Italian Easter Bread

Deliciously Soft Italian Easter Bread with Colorful Eggs

Experience the joy of Italian Easter Bread, a soft, sweet, and beautiful braided loaf adorned with colorful eggs, perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Bread
  • 1 packet Instant Yeast or active dry yeast
  • 1 cup Warm Milk around 110°F
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 3 tablespoons Butter unsalted
  • 2 large Eggs beaten lightly
  • 1/2 cup Sugar adjust to taste
  • 3.5 cups All-Purpose Flour add more as needed
For the Egg Wash
  • 1 large Egg beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Water
For Decorative Touches
  • 12 pieces Dyed Uncooked Easter Eggs or hard-boiled if preferred
  • Sprinkles optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Dough Hook
  • Baking Sheets
  • Oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant yeast, warm milk, salt, butter, lightly beaten eggs, and sugar. Stir until well blended and the butter melts.
  2. Gradually add 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if sticky.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour.
  5. Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and roll each into a 14-inch long rope.
  6. Braid two ropes together, pinch the ends, and form a circle for each Easter egg nest.
  7. Cover the nests and let rise for another 1 hour.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the egg wash and brush over the risen dough.
  9. Place a dyed uncooked egg in each dough nest and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Let cool on wire racks before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

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