Introduction
Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than by baking some delicious braided Easter bread with colored eggs? Not only is this bread a festive addition to your Easter table, but it’s also a fun and creative activity to do with family and friends. In this article, we’ll share two mouth-watering recipes for braided Easter bread with colored eggs that are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe 1: Traditional Braided Easter Bread with Colored Eggs
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 6-8 dyed Easter eggs
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add warm milk and eggs to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long, thin rope.
- Braid the ropes together and form a circle. Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Tuck the dyed Easter eggs into the braided dough, spacing them evenly apart.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 235
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 130mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 7g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions
This braided Easter bread with colored eggs makes a beautiful centerpiece for your Easter table. Serve it warm with butter or jam. It’s also great for making French toast or bread pudding.
Variations
You can add different flavors to your braided Easter bread by incorporating orange zest, raisins, or cinnamon into the dough. You can also use different types of food coloring to dye your eggs. Get creative!
Substitutions
If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough. You can also use vegetable oil instead of butter.
Storage
Store your braided Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.
Tips
Make sure your milk is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. You can check the temperature with a thermometer or by dipping your finger in the milk. It should feel warm, but not hot.
Notes
If you want your bread to be extra shiny, you can brush it with an egg wash before baking. To make an egg wash, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas.
How do I dye my Easter eggs?
To dye your Easter eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1/2 cup of water, and a few drops of food coloring in a bowl. Dip your hard-boiled eggs into the mixture and let them sit for a few minutes until they reach your desired color.
Recipe 2: Sweet Braided Easter Bread with Colored Eggs
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6-8 dyed Easter eggs
- Sugar glaze for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long, thin rope.
- Braid the ropes together and form a circle. Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Tuck the dyed Easter eggs into the braided dough, spacing them evenly apart.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown.
- If desired, brush the bread with a sugar glaze while it’s still warm.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 290
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions
This sweet braided Easter bread with colored eggs is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also top it with cream cheese or fruit preserves.
Variations
You can add different flavors to your sweet braided Easter bread by incorporating lemon zest, almond extract, or dried fruit into the dough. You can also use different types of food coloring to dye your eggs.
Substitutions
If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough. You can also use vegetable oil instead of butter.
Storage
Store your sweet braided Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.
Tips
Make sure your milk is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. You can check the temperature with a thermometer or by dipping your finger in the milk. It should feel warm, but not hot.
Notes
If you want your bread to be extra sweet, you can add a few tablespoons of sugar to the dough. You can also sprinkle sugar on top of the bread before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions