Description
Bake a beautiful and delicious Traditional Braided Easter Bread! This homemade recipe, rich with flavor and symbolism, is perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends. Learn how to braid the dough and customize it with your favorite additions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange for added flavor
- For the egg wash: 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk
- For decoration: sprinkles, pearl sugar, or powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it stand until foamy.
- Add melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into three equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long strand.
- Braid the strands together, pinching the ends to seal.
- Transfer the braided dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the bread with egg wash.
- Sprinkle with decorations.
- Bake until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Proofing the yeast is crucial for a successful rise.
- Knead the dough well for a soft and elastic texture.
- Don’t over-bake the bread; use a thermometer to ensure it’s done.
- Get creative with your decorations for a festive touch!
- Feel free to add raisins, citrus zest, or other flavorings to the dough.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Easter bread, braided bread, holiday bread, homemade bread, Easter recipe, traditional bread, sweet bread