Experience the delightful taste of Italy this Easter with the enchanting Roman Easter Sweet Bread! This traditional recipe, bursting with rich flavors and a hint of sweetness, is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home as you gather with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over slices of this delicious treat. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create this stunning loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 1 hrs
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, warm 1 cup of milk until it is just warm to the touch (about 110°F or 43°C). Be careful not to overheat it, as too hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Add 1/4 cup of softened butter to the warm milk and stir until the butter is melted and well combined.
- In another bowl, beat 3 eggs together. Add the beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk and butter mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Once the dough begins to come together, add 1/2 cup of raisins and knead the dough in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- Once the loaf has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and enjoy your Roman Easter Sweet Bread, perfect for breakfast or as a delightful treat!
Tips
- Perfect Temperature for Yeast: Ensure that your milk is warm but not hot—aim for around 110°F (43°C). This temperature activates the yeast without killing it, giving your bread the perfect rise.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, make sure to stretch and fold it rather than just pressing down. This technique helps develop the gluten, resulting in a softer, airier loaf.
- Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment by turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is perfectly baked, tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s ready! This simple test can help prevent undercooking.
- Storage Tips: To keep your Roman Easter Sweet Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it—just toast the slices for a quick treat later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
