Description
This Easter Bread brings irresistible flavor with simple ingredients like warm milk and eggs. A delightful treat for your special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk warmed to about 110°f
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Colored raw eggs optional, for baking into the braid
- Sprinkles optional
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar optional, for drizzle
- 1 tablespoon milk optional, for drizzle
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches 110℉.
- Combine warm milk and yeast in a large bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, 2 eggs, melted butter, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until well combined.
- Gradually stir in 3½ cups of flour until a soft dough forms, adding more flour as necessary.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each into an 18-inch rope and braid them together. Pinch the ends to seal and shape into a ring or loaf.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and tuck in colored eggs if using. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Brush the loaf with beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over warm bread and add sprinkles if desired.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated after the first rise.
For a richer taste, use whole eggs for the egg wash instead of beaten egg.
Adjust sugar and toppings based on your preference for sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg