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Cozy Easter Bread Recipe with Colorful Eggs Easy Homemade Pane di Pasqua

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A soft, slightly sweet braided Easter bread with colorful dyed eggs nestled inside, flavored with a hint of orange zest. Perfect for festive celebrations or a cozy morning treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
  • 6–8 hard-boiled eggs, dyed in vibrant colors
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Optional: pearl sugar or coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently, then let sit until frothy and bubbly—about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Mix Dough Ingredients (5 minutes): Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough (8-10 minutes): On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky—add flour sparingly. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed.
  4. First Rise (1 to 1 ½ hours): Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Bread (15 minutes): Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide into three equal ropes about 15 inches long. Braid them loosely on your baking sheet. Tuck the dyed eggs into the braid, spacing evenly. Pinch the dough around the eggs to hold them in place.
  6. Second Rise (30-40 minutes): Cover the braided loaf loosely and let it rest until puffy but not doubled.
  7. Apply Egg Wash and Sprinkle Sugar (5 minutes): Brush the loaf gently with the beaten egg wash, avoiding washing off the eggs. Sprinkle pearl sugar if desired.
  8. Bake (25-30 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C). The bread should sound hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

If the crust browns too fast, tent the bread loosely with foil halfway through baking. Do not slice the bread while warm to avoid gummy texture. Keep eggs fully dry before placing in dough to prevent sogginess. Milk temperature should be between 105°F and 110°F for proper yeast activation. Dough rising times may vary depending on kitchen temperature and humidity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter bread, Pane di Pasqua, braided bread, colorful eggs, holiday bread, sweet bread, orange zest bread

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/cozy-easter-bread-recipe-with-colorful-eggs-easy-homemade-pane-di-pasqua/