Welcome to a delightful culinary journey that celebrates the rich traditions of Italian Easter! If you're looking to impress your family and friends with a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, look no further than "Nanny's Italian Easter Bread." This beautifully braided loaf, adorned with vibrant sprinkles, is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. With its soft, sweet texture and aromatic flavors, this recipe is sure to become a cherished family favorite. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the art of bread-making—your Easter celebration will never be the same!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and dissolve the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture into the well. Mix thoroughly until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12-14 inches long.
- Braid the three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal and tucking them underneath to create a neat braid.
- Transfer the braided bread to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently brush the bread with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg.
- Sprinkle colored Easter sprinkles generously over the top of the bread.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm but not too hot (about 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast properly. This step is crucial for a fluffy texture!
- Knead with Care: Don’t rush the kneading process! Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect rise.
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best results, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a cozy spot by placing it in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on.
- Braid with Love: When braiding the dough, pinch the ends tightly to seal them well. This not only looks beautiful but also helps maintain the shape during baking.
- Egg Wash for Shine: For a glossy finish, brush the bread with a beaten egg before baking. This simple step will give your loaf a stunning golden color.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes after baking. This helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.Enjoy crafting this delicious Italian Easter Bread and make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
