Name: Easter Bread Recipe with Colored Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg (for egg wash); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package); ½ teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon orange zest; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or as needed); 5 uncooked colored eggs (see note)

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Introduction

This traditional Easter Bread is a soft, slightly sweet braided loaf adorned with colorful eggs, perfect for celebrating the holiday. Its delicate flavors from citrus zest and vanilla make it a festive and inviting centerpiece for your table.

A shiny braided bread wreath with a golden brown top and soft light beige inside sits on a white marbled texture. The wreath is round and thick, made of braided dough strands twisted together. Four colored eggs sit nestled in the bread: a bright blue egg near the top left, a pale green egg on the top right, and two yellow eggs placed opposite each other at the bottom right and center-left. The bread surface shows a smooth, glossy finish with soft shadows enhancing its round shape. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup milk
¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg (for egg wash)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
½ teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or as needed)
5 uncooked colored eggs (see note)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter together until about 120°F. Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, then stir in the sugar and yeast. Let rest for 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
Step 2: Pour the yeast mixture into the bottom of a stand mixer bowl. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon and orange zest, and salt. Mix lightly to combine.
Step 3: Add 1 cup of flour and beat with the dough hook on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky. Knead with the dough hook at medium-low speed for 4-6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and divide into three equal parts. Roll each into a 26-inch long rope.
Step 7: Lay the ropes side by side on parchment paper. Pinch the tops together and braid the ropes, then pinch the bottom seams tightly.
Step 8: Curve the braid into a ring shape and pinch the ends together. Tuck the five colored, uncooked eggs gently between the braids. Cover with a towel and let rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the parchment paper with the dough on a baking sheet.
Step 10: Beat the reserved egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush carefully over the bread, avoiding the colored eggs, to create a shiny golden crust.
Step 11: Bake for 28-33 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients to help the yeast activate properly and ensure a soft dough.
For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of honey or substituting some of the milk with orange juice.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Colored eggs can be dyed naturally with beet juice, turmeric, or red cabbage for a festive touch.

Storage

Store the Easter Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

A shiny braided bread wreath with soft golden brown and lighter yellow shades forms the base, its texture showing smooth, fluffy strands woven together in a thick circular shape with a hollow center. Five smooth, dyed eggs are placed evenly around the wreath on top; two are light blue, one is bright yellow, one is light green with tiny speckles, and one is turquoise blue. The bread is held by a woman's hand wrapped in a white cloth on the left side, against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular white eggs instead of colored eggs?

Yes, you can use plain uncooked white eggs, but the traditional look comes from using colored eggs. Make sure the eggs are uncooked before baking and nestle them securely in the dough.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this bread?

No, a stand mixer is helpful but not necessary. You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 10 minutes.