How To Make Italian Easter Bread: Two Delicious Recipes To Try

Easter is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious Italian Easter bread? This traditional bread is a staple in many Italian households and can be made in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll share two recipes for Italian Easter bread that are sure to impress your family and friends.

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Recipe 1: Sweet Italian Easter Bread

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 packages active dry yeast
1 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mixed candied fruit
1/2 cup raisins
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp water

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, and yeast.
In a saucepan, heat milk and butter until butter is melted. Let cool to 120-130 degrees F.
Add milk mixture to flour mixture and beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then on high for 3 minutes.
Stir in eggs, vanilla, and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Punch the risen dough down and knead in the candied fruit and raisins.
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a round loaf. Place each loaf on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat egg yolk and water. Brush over loaves.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 215
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 49mg
Sodium: 47mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 5g

Cooking Time:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl
Saucepan
Baking sheet
Wire rack

Serving Suggestions:

This sweet Italian Easter bread is perfect for serving as a dessert or snack with a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be toasted and served with butter or jam for breakfast.

Variations:

You can customize this recipe by using different types of dried fruit, such as cranberries or chopped apricots. You can also add nuts, such as chopped almonds or hazelnuts, for added crunch.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have mixed candied fruit, you can substitute with chopped dried apricots or cranberries. You can also use margarine instead of butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Storage:

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

Tips:

Make sure your milk mixture is cooled to the right temperature before adding it to the flour mixture, as hot liquid can kill the yeast.
Don’t over-knead the dough, as this can make the bread tough.
If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

Notes:

This recipe makes two loaves of bread, so you can share one with friends or freeze it for later.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. However, you don’t need to proof instant yeast before using it.
Can I use a bread machine to make this bread?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to make this bread. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients and setting the machine to the dough cycle.

Recipe 2: Savory Italian Easter Bread