Italian Easter Bread with Dyed Eggs Recipe

Italian Easter Bread with Dyed Eggs is a traditional and beautiful dessert that’s perfect for celebrating Easter. This sweet, soft, braided bread is often adorned with colorful, hard-boiled eggs, which are not only decorative but also symbolize new life and resurrection. The bread is slightly sweet, with a hint of citrus zest, and is perfect for serving at family gatherings, brunches, or as a special treat for the holiday. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavor make it a staple in many Italian homes during Easter celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Beautiful Centerpiece

This bread isn’t just delicious, it’s also visually stunning. The colorful dyed eggs sitting on top of the braided bread create a gorgeous, festive centerpiece for your Easter table.

2. Sweet and Citrus-Flavored Bread

The soft, slightly sweet bread is enhanced with hints of lemon zest, giving it a light, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dyed eggs.

3. Customizable with Different Egg Colors

You can dye the eggs any color you like, which makes this bread a fun and creative part of your Easter celebration. It’s a perfect way to get the kids involved in decorating!

4. A Tradition to Share

Making Italian Easter Bread with Dyed Eggs is a time-honored tradition in many Italian families. It’s a fun recipe to make with loved ones and a great way to pass down a cultural holiday tradition.

5. Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

This bread can be enjoyed any time of the day. It’s sweet enough for dessert, yet light enough to serve for breakfast or brunch with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• For the Bread:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Topping:
  • 4-6 dyed hard-boiled eggs (traditionally red or multicolored)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Variations

• Flavored Bread: Add other zest like orange or almond extract to change the flavor profile of the bread.
• Stuffed Bread: You can stuff the dough with a variety of fillings, like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts, for an added twist.
• Colored Sugar Topping: Instead of plain egg wash, top the bread with colored sugar sprinkles for an added pop of color and sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, nutmeg, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, warm the milk and water together until it’s lukewarm. Add the butter and stir until melted. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bread

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, and then braid the three ropes together to form a loaf. Bring the ends of the braid together to form a circle or wreath shape. Place the bread on a greased baking sheet.

Step 4: Add the Dyed Eggs

Gently press the dyed hard-boiled eggs into the braided dough, spacing them evenly around the bread. You can also sprinkle some colored sugar on top if desired.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise Again

Cover the shaped bread with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the bread rises.

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the bread to give it a shiny golden finish. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, it’s ready to slice and serve!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Yeast: Be sure your yeast is fresh and hasn’t expired for the best rise.
• Let the Dough Rest: Don’t rush the rising process—let the dough rise fully to achieve the best texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t become too brown or dry out.
• Dyed Eggs: Use food-safe dyes to color your eggs for the best result. You can use any color you like, but traditional red or multi-colored eggs are most commonly used for Easter.

How to Serve

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Slice the bread and serve it with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
• As a Dessert: The sweet, slightly citrusy bread pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea after Easter dinner.
• For Special Occasions: Bring this beautiful and delicious bread to your next Easter family gathering, picnic, or holiday brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months—just slice it first before freezing, so it’s easy to thaw a piece at a time.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or enjoying at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat the bread by wrapping it in foil and placing it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to warm through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or bread flour for a different texture, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

2. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough, but you’ll still need to shape and bake it in the oven.

3. How do I make sure the bread doesn’t dry out?

Be sure not to overbake the bread, and store any leftovers properly in an airtight container.

4. Can I add extra fillings to the bread?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough before braiding for added flavor.

5. How long will this bread last?

This bread is best eaten within 3-4 days, but it can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

6. Can I make this bread the day before?

Yes, you can make the bread a day ahead and reheat it before serving.

7. Can I use store-bought dough?

You can use store-bought dough if you’re in a pinch, but homemade dough will yield the best results for flavor and texture.

8. How do I dye the eggs?

Simply boil the eggs, then use food coloring to dye them in a variety of colors. Let them cool completely before adding them to the bread.

9. Can I make this bread without eggs?

Eggs help the bread rise and contribute to its texture, so it’s best to use them in this recipe. However, you could try using egg substitutes if necessary.

10. How do I get the perfect braided shape?

Ensure the dough ropes are evenly rolled out, and gently braid them together. If it’s your first time braiding bread, don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be perfect!

Conclusion

Italian Easter Bread with Dyed Eggs is a timeless and delicious Easter tradition. It combines the joy of baking with the festive spirit of Easter. This sweet, citrus-flavored bread, adorned with vibrant dyed eggs, is a stunning centerpiece for any holiday celebration. Whether you’re making it for your family or sharing it with friends, this bread will surely bring joy to your Easter table. Happy baking!

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