Easter is a time of celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with food? One of the most beloved Italian Easter traditions is the baking of sweet, fragrant breads, filled with candied fruit and eggs. These breads are not only delicious, but also visually stunning and perfect for sharing with family and friends. In this article, we’ll share with you two easy Italian Easter bread recipes that are sure to impress your loved ones.
Recipe 1: Traditional Italian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mixed candied fruit
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 package (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 whole egg, for egg wash
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add in butter, warm milk, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and add in candied fruit, almonds, and raisins. Knead until well incorporated.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each part into a long rope. Braid the ropes together and form into a circle.
- Place the bread on a greased baking sheet and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the bread with egg wash and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool and serve.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 275
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 246mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 8g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 3 hours
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations:
- Replace the candied fruit, almonds, and raisins with chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts for a chocolate twist.
- Add in a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
Substitutions:
You can use almond milk or soy milk instead of cow’s milk. You can also replace the butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil.
Storage:
Store this 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 the milk is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place, like an oven with the light on.
- Don’t overfill the bread with fruit and nuts, or it will be too heavy and won’t rise properly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this bread without eggs?
A: Yes, you can replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas.
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?
A: Yes, you can use fresh or dried fruit, but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Recipe 2: Italian Easter Bread with Anise
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mixed candied fruit
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 package (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp anise extract
- 1 whole egg, for egg wash
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add in butter, warm milk, eggs, and anise extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and add in candied fruit, almonds, and raisins. Knead until well incorporated.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each part into a long rope. Braid the ropes together and form into a circle.
- Place the bread on a greased baking sheet and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the bread with egg wash and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool and serve.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 275
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 246mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 8g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 3 hours
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations:
- Replace the candied fruit, almonds, and raisins with chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts for a chocolate twist.
- Add in a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
Substitutions:
You can use almond milk or soy milk instead of cow’s milk. You can also replace the butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil.
Storage:
Store this bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.