Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious slice of Italian Easter bread? This sweet, yeasty bread is a staple in many Italian households during the Easter period and is often served as a breakfast or dessert option. In this article, we will share with you not one but two recipes for Easter bread Italian that will have your taste buds begging for more.
Recipe 1: Traditional Italian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup candied citron
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add the sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and salt to the yeast mixture and beat until smooth.
- Stir in the flour gradually until the dough comes together.
- Add the raisins and candied citron and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
- Roll each part into a long rope and braid the three ropes together.
- Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Beat the egg yolk and water together and brush it over the top of the bread.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons
- Pastry brush
Serving Suggestions:
Easter bread Italian is best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Variations:
You can add different dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, to the bread dough to create your own unique flavor. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a more indulgent treat.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have candied citron, you can use orange or lemon zest instead. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Storage:
Easter bread Italian can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months.
Tips:
Make sure your yeast is fresh and active before using it in the recipe. You can test the yeast by mixing it with warm water and sugar and waiting for it to foam up. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or inactive.
Notes:
This recipe makes one large loaf of Easter bread Italian. You can easily double the recipe to make two loaves if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a bread machine to make this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific bread machine model.
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
A: Fresh fruit may make the dough too wet and affect the texture of the bread. Stick to dried fruit for best results.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Chip Italian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add the sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and salt to the yeast mixture and beat until smooth.
- Stir in the flour gradually until the dough comes together.
- Add the chocolate chips and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
- Roll each part into a long rope and braid the three ropes together.
- Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Beat the egg yolk and water together and brush it over the top of the bread.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons
- Pastry brush
Serving Suggestions:
Chocolate chip Italian Easter bread is best served warm with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
Variations:
You can add different types of chocolate chips or chunks to the dough, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, for a different flavor profile. You can also add nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can use chopped chocolate bars instead. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.