Soft Fluffy Italian Easter Bread With Dyed Eggs

Italian Easter Bread, also known as “Pane di Pasqua” or “Crescia di Pasqua,” is a traditional Easter bread from Italy. It is a sweet, enriched bread that is typically flavored with citrus zest and studded with colorful Easter eggs. The bread is usually made with flour, milk, sugar, butter, and eggs, and is often shaped into a braided or wreath-like loaf. After being shaped, raw eggs in their shells are placed into the dough before baking, and the eggs cook as the bread bakes. Italian Easter Bread is a popular tradition in many Italian households during Easter and is often enjoyed as a breakfast or dessert. It is also a common gift to bring to Easter gatherings and celebrations

Step-by-step: Italian Easter bread

Wet ingredients – In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the dough hook attachment, combine warm milk (110 F), yeast, sugar, and eggs.300 grams Dry ingredients – Add the bread flour followed by the salt. Combine on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes. Butter – 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. 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, de-gas, reshape, and let double in volume again. Divide – When the dough doubles in volume, transfer it to a well-dusted floured surface. Punch and reshape into a ball. Then shape it into a ball again. Divide the dough into 12 portions.Pro tip – I like to cut the dough in half, then quarters. Then, divide each portion into 3 to make 12 rolls.

Rope – Shape each into a ball. Then, roll each ball with a rolling pin on an un-floured work surface (see video). Roll like jelly roll into a rope about 18 inches long (see video).Pro tip – If the dough resists stretching rest it for 5 mins. Resting the dough between each shaping will help the dough rest and gluten relax.

Shape – Braid the rope onto itself as shown in the video or progress pictures. Then, place a raw egg (colored or uncolored) on each piece of bread. 1. Simply coil the rope onto itself in a circle. Pinch the two ends together and tuck the joint under. 2. Or coil the rope into a double rope then join the ends to make a circle. Proof – Place on a baking tray. 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 rolls.

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. An egg wash will give a nice golden color. If you can’t use egg, milk or cream will work just as well. Do not use oil or butter as it will create a crust. Bake – Transfer to the oven and bake on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes.Pro tip – When baked, the internal temperature of the bread should be about 195 F. The bread will have a hollow sound on the bottom when tapped.

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 breads

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.