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–+ servings
Italian Easter Bread

Deliciously Festive Italian Easter Bread for Family Gatherings

This Italian Easter Bread, or Pane di Pasqua, is a heartwarming tradition that combines festive visuals with delightful flavors for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 13 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Milk Warm to 120-130°F (49-54°C)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Cubed and melted with the milk
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons Rapid Rise Instant Yeast
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs Reserve one for egg wash
  • 3 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour Additional flour for kneading
For Decorating
  • 1 cup Dyed Easter Eggs Raw or hard-boiled
  • ½ cup Colored Sprinkles For visual appeal

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Warm the milk and butter by gently stirring together in a saucepan over low heat until melted, reaching a temperature of 120-130°F (49-54°C).
  2. Make the yeast mixture by combining yeast, salt, and sugar in a bowl, then adding the warmed milk and melted butter, followed by the eggs.
  3. Mix the dough in a stand mixer on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Add additional flour gradually, allowing the dough to pull away from the bowl and become pliable.
  5. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes until smooth.
  6. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  7. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into long ropes.
  8. Shape the wreath by twisting two ropes together and pinching the ends.
  9. Let the shaped dough rise covered for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) 15 minutes before the dough is finished rising.
  11. Brush the risen dough with the reserved egg wash, then decorate with sprinkles and place an egg in the center.
  12. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This bread can be prepared a day in advance. Store wrapped to maintain freshness.

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