Best Homemade Braided Easter Bread: A Festive and Golden Masterpiece 🥖✨🥚

Name: Best Homemade Braided Easter Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm milk; 3 large eggs (plus 1 for egg wash); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional); Colored sprinkles or dyed eggs for decoration

Celebrate Easter with this stunning Best Homemade Braided Easter Bread recipe that will become your new family tradition! This traditional sweet bread, enriched with farm-fresh eggs and creamy butter, is beautifully braided and often decorated with colorful sprinkles or dyed eggs. Perfect for family gatherings or as a show-stopping centerpiece for your Easter table, this homemade Easter bread recipe will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aromas of the season.

Our golden braided Easter bread fresh from the oven – the perfect addition to your holiday table

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours rising time)

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Yield: 1 large loaf (serves 8-10)

Skill Level: Intermediate

Ingredients for the Perfect Homemade Easter Bread

For this foolproof homemade Easter bread recipe that’s sure to impress, you’ll need these simple ingredients (most of which you probably already have in your pantry!):

Dry Ingredients

4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional but recommended for authentic flavor)

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup (120ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F)
3 large eggs at room temperature (plus 1 extra for egg wash)
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For Decoration

Colored sprinkles or sanding sugar
5-6 dyed hard-boiled eggs (optional)
Pearl sugar for topping (optional)

Baker’s Tip: For more delicious baking recipes like this one, check out our baking category where we share all our favorite treats!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Braided Easter Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy – this is called “proofing” and ensures your yeast is active. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom (if using). Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Ingredients for Homemade Braided Easter Bread prepared in a mixing bowl with measuring cups nearby — Gathering all your ingredients before starting ensures a smooth baking process

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Using a stand mixer with dough hook attachment on medium speed, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If kneading by hand (which is actually quite therapeutic!), turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 15 minutes using the heel of your hand. The dough is ready when it passes the “windowpane test” – take a small piece and stretch it gently; it should form a thin membrane without tearing.

Stand mixer kneading dough for Homemade Braided Easter Bread with close-up of dough hook — The stand mixer makes kneading effortless, but hand kneading works just as well

Looking for more breakfast and brunch ideas to complement your Easter bread? We’ve got plenty of inspiration!

Step 3: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl (I like to use the same mixing bowl to save on dishes), turning it once to coat all sides. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size. The exact time will depend on your kitchen temperature – in a slightly warm oven (turned off) it might take just 1 hour, while at room temperature it could take up to 2 hours. This crucial step in our homemade Easter bread recipe allows the yeast to work its magic, developing wonderful flavor and airy texture.

Risen dough for Braided Easter Bread in a glass bowl before shaping — The dough should nearly double in size during the first rise

Step 4: Shape and Braid

Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles (this is oddly satisfying!) and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into three equal portions using a bench scraper or sharp knife. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 16 inches long and 1 inch thick). If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing. Pinch the ends together at one end and braid loosely, alternating the strands like braiding hair. Don’t pull too tight – the bread needs room to expand. Pinch the other ends to seal. Carefully transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Braiding dough strands for Homemade Easter Bread on a baking sheet with hands visible — Braiding the dough creates that classic Easter bread look everyone loves

If you enjoy this bread, you might also love our collection of holiday dessert recipes perfect for any celebration!

Baking and Finishing Touches

About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even heat distribution. Prepare an egg wash by beating the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over the entire surface of the braided loaf – this will give your bread that beautiful golden sheen. If using, carefully press dyed eggs (hard-boiled and cooled) into the braids at this point. For extra sparkle, sprinkle with colored sugar or pearl sugar.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the bread starts browning too quickly (after about 15 minutes), tent loosely with aluminum foil. The internal temperature should register about 190°F (88°C) when done. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing – I know it’s hard to wait, but this prevents a gummy texture!

For additional braiding techniques and variations, check out this excellent braided Easter bread resource from our baking friends.

Serving Suggestions for Your Easter Bread

This Best Homemade Braided Easter Bread is incredibly versatile and delicious served in several ways:

Breakfast Centerpiece: Serve warm or at room temperature with softened butter, honey, or your favorite jam. Pair with fresh fruit and coffee for a perfect Easter morning.
Brunch Star: Slice thickly and serve alongside other brunch favorites like quiche or fruit salad.
Dessert Option: For a sweeter treat, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
French Toast: Stale bread makes incredible French toast – dip slices in egg mixture and cook as usual.

For a complete Easter meal, consider pairing with our holiday dinner recipes or refreshing spring salad options.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

To keep your homemade Easter bread tasting its best:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Refreshing: If bread becomes stale, lightly toast slices or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Egg Note: If you’ve baked with dyed eggs, remove them before storage as they can make the bread soggy.

Creative Variations to Try

While the classic version is wonderful, here are some delicious ways to customize your homemade Easter bread recipe:

Fruit-Studded Version

Add 1/2 cup golden raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to the dough during kneading. Soak dried fruit in warm water or rum for 30 minutes first to plump.

Citrus Twist

Add zest of 1 orange or lemon to the dough for bright flavor. You could also add 1/2 tsp orange blossom water for a floral note.

Nutty Version

Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Cheese-Filled

Before braiding, spread a layer of sweetened ricotta or cream cheese between the strands.

Round Loaf

Instead of braiding, form into a round loaf and make cross cuts on top before baking.

Individual Rolls

Divide dough into 12 pieces, shape into balls, and arrange in a greased round pan for pull-apart rolls.

For more creative recipe ideas, visit our about page to learn about our culinary philosophy, or if you’re interested in collaborating on recipes, we’d love to hear from you!

Final Thoughts on Our Braided Easter Bread

This Best Homemade Braided Easter Bread recipe is more than just food – it’s an edible celebration of spring and new beginnings. With its golden crust, tender crumb, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your family. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at homemade bread for the first time, this recipe is approachable yet impressive enough for any Easter table.

The process of making bread from scratch is incredibly rewarding, and there’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into this festive masterpiece. As the dough rises and bakes, your home will be filled with the most comforting aromas that signal the arrival of spring. Don’t be intimidated by the braiding – even imperfect loaves taste delicious and have homemade charm!

We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on social media if you make this recipe, and don’t forget to explore our other seasonal favorites like spring soups, Easter chicken dishes, or special occasion beef recipes to complete your holiday menu.

From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a joyful Easter season filled with good food, family, and new beginnings. Happy baking!

Best Homemade Braided Easter Bread

Lisa

Writer & Blogger