Description
Italian Easter Bread is a sweet, citrusy, braided bread made with eggs, orange zest, and anise oil. It’s a festive centerpiece for Easter brunch, glazed and topped with colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
For the Dough
8 cups (1040 g) all-purpose flour
1½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
½ cup (99 g) granulated sugar
2 oranges, zested & juiced
4½ teaspoons (2 envelopes) active dry yeast
1 cup (227 g) margarine, melted
8 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon anise oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
For the Glaze
2 cups (227 g) powdered sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
Sprinkles, if desired
Instructions
1. Warm milk and add yeast with 1 tsp sugar. Let sit until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, salt, zest, and anise oil.
3. Add yeast mixture, melted margarine, and eggs. Mix to form sticky dough.
4. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Let rise until doubled.
5. Divide dough into 3 ropes. Braid and form into wreath. Place eggs in braid.
6. Brush with melted butter. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.
8. Cool, then drizzle with glaze and add sprinkles.
Notes
Use raw dyed eggs if baking into the dough, or hard-boiled if preferred.
This bread makes beautiful gifts and also freezes well.
You can shape into mini wreaths or braided loaves.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Italian Easter Bread, Pane di Pasqua, Easter recipes