Description
Italian Easter Bread, known as Pane di Pasqua, is a traditional sweet bread that is often braided and decorated with colored eggs, symbolizing new life and rebirth during the Easter season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored eggs for decoration
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together.
- Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press colored eggs into the braid for decoration.
- Let the bread rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- This bread can be enjoyed fresh or toasted.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Feel free to add citrus zest for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Italian Easter Bread, Pane di Pasqua, Easter recipes, traditional bread