When it comes to Easter, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked Italian Easter bread wafting through the house. This sweet, pillowy bread is a beloved staple of Easter celebrations in Italy and around the world. Whether you’re looking to impress your family with your baking skills or simply indulge in a delicious treat, Italian Easter bread is the way to go.
The Classic Recipe for Italian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon anise extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, warm milk, vanilla extract, and anise extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Twist the ropes together and form them into a ring shape.
- Place the dough on a greased baking sheet, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the egg wash over the dough and sprinkle colored sprinkles over the top, if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let the bread cool before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 260
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5.5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 3 hours
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Plastic wrap
- Towel
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions:
Italian Easter bread is delicious on its own or toasted with butter. It also makes a great base for French toast or bread pudding.
Variations:
You can customize this recipe by adding different dried fruits, nuts, or spices. Some popular additions include chopped almonds, candied orange peel, or ground cinnamon.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have anise extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. You can also use almond extract or orange blossom water for a different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
Storage:
Store Italian Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but don’t overwork it or it will become tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
FAQs:
- What is the history of Italian Easter bread?
- Italian Easter bread has been a tradition in Italy for centuries. It is typically made during Holy Week and served on Easter Sunday as a symbol of new life and rebirth.
- Can I make Italian Easter bread ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- What is the best way to store Italian Easter bread?
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
A Twist on the Classic: Chocolate Italian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic Italian Easter bread, but omit the raisins and anise extract.
- Knead in the mini chocolate chips instead.
- Follow the remaining instructions as written.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 290
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 130mg
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 7g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 3 hours
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Plastic wrap
- Towel
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions:
Chocolate Italian Easter bread is delicious on its own or topped with Nutella. It also makes a great base for bread pudding or a decadent French toast.
Variations:
You can customize this recipe by using different types of chocolate chips or adding chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. You can also use orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon for a different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, you can substitute them with chopped dried cherries or cranberries.
Storage:
Store Chocolate Italian Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, but don’t overwork it or it will become tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
FAQs:
- What is the history of Italian Easter bread?
- Italian Easter bread has been a tradition in Italy for centuries. It is typically made during Holy Week and served on Easter Sunday as a symbol of new life and reb