Easter is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about what delicious baked goods you can prepare to celebrate the season. Bread is an essential part of Easter, and there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will explore the different types of bread that are associated with Easter and share some mouth-watering recipes that you can try at home.
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter bread that is usually enjoyed on Good Friday. These sweet and spiced buns are filled with raisins or currants and are marked with a cross on top. They are best served warm with butter or jam.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Add the raisins or currants to the bowl and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and egg yolk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- 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 towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the buns with a damp towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the water and egg white. Use a pastry brush to brush the mixture over the buns.
- Bake the buns at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Nutritional Information
Each hot cross bun contains approximately 200 calories, 8 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein.
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot cross buns warm with butter or jam.
Variations
You can add other dried fruits, such as cranberries or cherries, to the dough for a different flavor. You can also add a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk to the buns after they come out of the oven.
Substitutions
You can use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier flavor. You can also use a mix of different spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or cloves, to add more complexity to the flavor.
Storage
Store hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Tips
Make sure the milk is warm but not hot, as this can kill the yeast. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar to the milk to help activate the yeast.
Notes
Hot cross buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can reheat them in the microwave or oven if you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hot cross buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Then, shape the buns and let them rise again before baking.
Can I use a bread machine to make hot cross buns?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions and add the raisins or currants towards the end of the mixing cycle.
Easter Bread
Easter bread is a traditional Italian bread that is shaped into a braided wreath or a dove. It is usually flavored with anise or orange zest and is decorated with colored eggs. It’s a beautiful and delicious addition to any Easter table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground anise
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1 egg, beaten
- Colored Easter eggs (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the warm milk, softened butter, eggs, and egg yolk to the bowl and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add the raisins or currants, candied orange peel, and almonds to the dough and knead until they are evenly distributed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and braid them together.
- Form the braided dough into a wreath or a dove shape and place it on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the beaten egg over the dough and place the colored Easter eggs on top (if using).
- Bake the bread at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Easter bread contains approximately 300 calories, 10 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of protein.
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Serving Suggestions
Serve Easter bread warm with butter or honey.
Variations
You can add other dried fruits, such as figs or apricots, to the dough for a different flavor. You can also add more spices, such as ginger or cardamom, to make it more fragrant.
Substitutions
You can use orange juice instead of milk for a citrusy flavor. You can also use a mix of different nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, to add more texture.
Storage
Store Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.