Description
Braided Easter Bread is a traditional, show-stopping centerpiece for your Easter dinner table. This rich, slightly sweet bread is beautifully braided and often decorated with colorful eggs, making it as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for continuing family traditions or starting new ones!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 4 large eggs (3 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- Colored eggs for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, 3 eggs, butter, vanilla, and cardamom. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1-1.5 hours).
- Punch down dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll each into 20-inch ropes.
- Braid ropes together, tuck ends under, and transfer to baking sheet. Let rise 30 minutes.
- Brush with egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp water) and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh yeast and properly warmed milk (110°F).
- Add colored eggs before final rise for traditional decoration.
- Bread can be made ahead – refrigerate after first rise overnight.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Great served with butter, honey, or as French toast the next day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: braided easter bread, easter bread recipe, holiday bread, festive bread, sweet bread, easter dinner, traditional easter bread