Easter bread is typically shaped into a braid or a round coiled loaf and decorated with the holiday symbols such as eggs or sugar crosses.
Step-by-step: Easter bread recipes
Wet ingredients – In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, combine warm milk (110 F), yeast, sugar, and eggs. Dry ingredients – Add the bread flour followed by the salt. Combine on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes. Butter – Next, add the room temperature butter and continue to knead for 15 to 18 minutes on medium-low speed.Pro tip – The dough will be very soft, but do not add more flour, otherwise, you will have dense bread. Rise – When the dough is soft and shiny, but still slightly sticky, shape it into a ball. Then, place the dough in an oiled bowl seam side down. Coat the surface with oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap. Then, leave in a warm place. And let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until doubles in volume.Pro tip – In winter, you may need 90 minutes or more. But in summer, the dough may double in 45 minutes. If you can’t attend to it at that moment, punch, reshape, and let double in volume again.
Divide – Transfer to a well-dusted work surface. Press down and shape it into a log. You can divide the dough into two small loaves. Then, divide the dough into 3 portions.Pro tip – I use a weighing scale to measure the dough but, you can keep them approximate as well. Ropes – Shape each into a ball. If necessary, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Roll each ball with a rolling pin on an un-floured work surface. Then, roll like jelly roll into a rope about 18 inches long (see video)Pro tip – You can also just stretch the dough into a rope but this method will give a better texture without air pockets.
3 strand braid – Place all three long strands so they intersect in the middle. Then, braid from the center to the bottom. Flip the dough and braid from the center to the bottom on the other side too.Pro tip – This braid is similar to braiding your hair – starting from the middle towards the ends makes it easier, prettier, and less complicated.
Proof – Place on a baking tray. Next, place the eggs over the bread. Cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen cloth and let proof for 30 to 45 minutes.Pro tip – Spray the plastic wrap with oil to prevent it from sticking to the bread. Oven – 20 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F /177°C / Gas Mark 4 Eggswash – Brush the bread with a beaten egg. Sprinkle with pearl sugar.Pro tip – Egg wash is a full egg with 2 tbsp of water, milk, or cream. Bake – Brush the bread with a beaten egg. Then, bake each loaf on the center rack of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes.Pro tip – Alternatively, if you make two smaller loaves bake them for a shorter time 20 to 25 minutes each. Cool – Remove and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then, cover them with a clean kitchen cloth to keep them soft.Pro tip – Do not leave the loaf on the tray for too long as the steam will make the bread soggy on the bottom. Covering the bread with a cloth will help the bread retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Creative ways to serve Easter bread
Nest of Eggs: Arrange the Easter bread in the shape of a nest, with the bread forming the outer ring and the colorful Easter eggs nestled in the center. You can use green-tinted coconut flakes to mimic grass around the nest. Bread Basket: Transform your Easter bread into a bread basket by hollowing out the center. Place boiled and decorated Easter eggs inside the bread basket, filling it to the brim with colorful eggs. Easter Bread Wreath: Shape the Easter bread into a wreath and place dyed Easter eggs around the circle. This makes for a beautiful and edible centerpiece for your Easter table. Bunny Burrow: Carve out a small section of the Easter bread and create a little “burrow” for a chocolate Easter bunny or a toy bunny. Surround the burrow with dyed eggs for a playful display. Easter Egg Garden: Arrange your Easter bread on a platter, and use icing or frosting to create a garden scene on the bread. Place Easter eggs with small flowers made from frosting or edible flowers in the “garden.” Easter Egg Toppers: Slice your Easter bread into individual servings and place a small Easter egg on top of each slice as a decorative and delicious topper. Easter Bread and Dip: Serve your Easter bread with a colorful dip, like a fruity yogurt dip or a sweet cream cheese dip. Place the eggs around the dip as edible decorations. Easter Bread and Fruit: Pair slices of Easter bread with fresh fruit, such as berries and citrus slices, arranged in a colorful and artistic pattern on the plate. Egg Salad Stuffed Bread: Hollow out a portion of the Easter bread and fill it with egg salad or a similar creamy filling. Decorate the top with dyed Easter eggs for a unique and savory twist. Mini Easter Bread Bites: Transform your Easter bread into bite-sized pieces, each topped with a small piece of colored Easter egg. These mini treats are perfect for snacking. Easter Bread French Toast: Use slices of Easter bread to make French toast for a special Easter brunch. Top the French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Easter Bread Pudding: Cube the Easter bread and use it as the base for a delicious bread pudding. Add raisins, cinnamon, and a custard mixture, and bake until it’s golden brown and delicious. Easter Bread Trifle: Layer cubes of Easter bread, custard, whipped cream, and fresh berries in a trifle dish. Decorate the top with halved Easter eggs for a stunning dessert.
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