Easy Braided Easter Bread: A Golden, Festive Masterpiece for Your Holiday Table 🥖🥚✨

1. Introduction

Celebrate Easter with this stunning and delicious Easy Braided Easter Bread! This traditional recipe is perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or as a centerpiece for your holiday table. With its golden crust, soft interior, and festive braided design, this bread is sure to impress everyone at your Easter celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this easy braided Easter bread recipe is simple to follow and yields beautiful results every time. The aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home is simply irresistible!

If you love baking as much as we do, you’ll want to check out our complete baking category for more delicious recipes to try. This Easter bread pairs wonderfully with other holiday favorites like our Crack Breakfast Casserole for a complete brunch spread.

2. Ingredients

To make this easy braided Easter bread, you’ll need simple pantry staples that come together to create something truly special:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for that perfect hint of sweetness)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast (make sure it’s fresh!)
• 1 tsp salt (to balance the flavors)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F – about the temperature of a baby’s bottle)
• 2 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for richness and tenderness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for aromatic depth)
• 1 egg yolk (for that beautiful golden egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or pearl sugar (for decorative crunch)
• 6 dyed Easter eggs (optional but makes for a stunning presentation)

For those looking for more quick and easy recipes, our Spinach and Feta Quesadillas make a great appetizer to serve alongside this bread.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture forms the foundation of your bread. In a separate bowl, gently warm the milk to about 110°F – you should be able to comfortably dip your finger in it. Whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will come together as you knead it.

If you’re enjoying this baking project, you might also love our Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes for dessert!

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your clean work surface and turn out the dough. Begin kneading by pushing the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then folding it back over itself. Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat. This process develops the gluten, giving your bread its wonderful texture. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes. The dough is ready when it passes the “windowpane test” – you should be able to stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without it tearing.

For another delicious bread option, try our Air Fryer Roasted Garlic to serve with this Easter bread!

Step 3: Braid the Dough

After the dough has risen (it should double in size, about 1-1.5 hours), gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide into three equal portions using a bench scraper or sharp knife. Roll each portion into a long rope about 18 inches in length – try to make them as even as possible for uniform braiding. Place the three ropes parallel to each other and pinch one end together firmly. Now comes the fun part: braiding! Lift the right rope over the middle rope, then the left rope over the new middle rope, repeating until you reach the end. Pinch the other end to seal. Carefully form the braid into a circle and tuck the ends underneath for a neat finish.

If you’re looking for more braided recipes, check out our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a savory twist!

Step 4: Bake and Decorate

Carefully transfer your braided dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until puffy and nearly doubled. About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Prepare an egg wash by beating the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water, then gently brush it over the risen dough using a pastry brush. This will give your bread that beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or pearl sugar for extra texture and visual appeal. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If using dyed eggs (make sure they’re hard-boiled and completely cooled), carefully nestle them into the braids after baking while the bread is still warm.

For more Easter inspiration, see how That Skinny Chick Can Bake creates her beautiful version of this traditional bread.

4. Tips for Success

• Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm but not too hot (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
• Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky during kneading, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
• Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp of cardamom or orange zest to the dough. You could also try almond extract instead of vanilla.
• Cooling Time: Resist the temptation to slice into your bread immediately! Let it cool completely on a wire rack to maintain its texture and make slicing easier.
• Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning, especially if your oven has hot spots.

5. Serving Suggestions

This easy braided Easter bread is delicious on its own, still slightly warm from the oven, but here are some wonderful ways to serve it:

• Breakfast: Slice and toast lightly, then spread with softened butter and drizzle with honey
• Brunch: Serve with your favorite jam or preserves – apricot or raspberry work particularly well
• Dessert: Top with cream cheese or mascarpone and fresh berries
• Centerpiece: As part of an Easter brunch spread alongside our French Onion Meatloaf
• Afternoon Tea: Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee as an afternoon treat

6. Storage Instructions

To keep your easy braided Easter bread fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Refreshing: If your bread starts to stale, you can revive it by warming slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Egg Note: If you’ve added dyed eggs, remove them before storing as they can make the bread soggy.

7. Variations to Try

This versatile recipe can be adapted in countless ways:

• Sweet Version: Add 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries soaked in warm water (drained) to the dough, or mix in 1/4 cup chopped candied citrus peel
• Savory Version: Omit the sugar and add 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or parmesan work well) and 1 tsp dried herbs like rosemary or thyme
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend (look for one with xanthan gum already added)
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), and vegan butter
• Nutty Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
• Citrus Brightness: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a fresh flavor

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You have several options for make-ahead preparation:
1. Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature (about 1 hour), then braid and bake as directed.
2. Bake the bread completely 1-2 days in advance. Store properly wrapped at room temperature, then refresh in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.
3. Freeze the baked bread for up to a month, then thaw overnight at room temperature when needed.

Why is my bread dense?

Several factors can lead to dense bread:
– Under-kneading: The gluten didn’t develop properly to create air pockets
– Old yeast: Check the expiration date and proof your yeast if unsure
– Insufficient rising time: Cold kitchens may require longer rise times
– Over-flouring: Too much flour makes the dough heavy
– Over-proofing: The yeast exhausted itself before baking

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast can be substituted 1:1 for active dry yeast in this recipe. The advantage is you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing first. You might notice a slightly faster rise time with instant yeast.

Can I make smaller individual braids?

Certainly! Divide the dough into smaller portions (try 6 or 8) and make mini braids. Reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes. These make lovely individual servings or gifts.

My bread browns too quickly – what can I do?

If your bread is browning too fast:
– Tent loosely with aluminum foil after the first 15 minutes of baking
– Reduce oven temperature by 25°F
– Check your oven temperature with a thermometer – it might run hot

9. Conclusion

This easy braided Easter bread recipe is more than just food – it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, creating memories in the kitchen and around the table. With its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. The process of making bread from scratch is incredibly rewarding, and this recipe is approachable enough for beginners while still impressive for experienced bakers. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast with our breakfast recipes, as part of your Easter brunch spread, or giving mini loaves as edible gifts, this golden, festive bread will bring joy to your Easter celebrations. The combination of soft, slightly sweet bread with the colorful eggs makes for a stunning centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks. Happy baking and Happy Easter!

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