Easter Bread is a delightful treat that many families enjoy during the Easter season. This sweet, soft bread is often shaped into interesting forms and decorated with colorful eggs. Its wonderful flavor and beautiful appearance make it a perfect addition to any Easter celebration.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Easter Bread is a fun and rewarding experience. The process allows you to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread. It’s also a wonderful way to create lasting memories with family and friends. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it accessible for any home baker.
How to Make Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Sugar
- Lemon
- Orange
- Instant yeast
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until warm.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm milk mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased pan.
- Let it rise again, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
How to Serve Easter Bread
Easter Bread is lovely on its own, but you can serve it with butter, jam, or honey for added flavor. You can also enjoy it with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve it with colored eggs on the side.
How to Store Easter Bread
To keep your Easter Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for about 3-4 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them by wrapping the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips to Make Easter Bread
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to help the yeast rise effectively.
- Knead the dough well to develop a nice texture.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Experiment with different shapes for your bread, like braiding or forming it into a circle.
Variation
You can customize your Easter Bread by adding dried fruits, nuts, or spices like cinnamon for added flavor. Some people also enjoy icing their bread or adding a glaze for a sweeter finish.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use regular yeast. Just activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the dry ingredients.
2. Can I make Easter Bread without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture for a vegan option.
3. How can I tell when my bread is done baking?
Your bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom.
Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful Easter Bread with your loved ones!
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Easter Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful sweet, soft bread often shaped into interesting forms and decorated with colorful eggs, perfect for Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until warm.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the warm milk mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased pan.
- Let it rise again, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. Experiment with different shapes and add-ins like dried fruits or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Easter bread, holiday baking, sweet bread, festive bread
