Description
Celebrate Easter with this stunning Best Homemade Braided Easter Bread recipe! This traditional sweet bread, enriched with eggs and butter, is beautifully braided and often decorated with colorful sprinkles or dyed eggs. Perfect for family gatherings or as a centerpiece for your Easter table, this homemade Easter bread will fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk with sugar and let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes)
- Combine dry ingredients, then add yeast mixture, butter, eggs, and vanilla
- Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Let dough rise in greased bowl for 1-2 hours until doubled
- Divide dough into 3 portions, roll into ropes, and braid
- Let shaped dough rise again for 30-45 minutes
- Brush with egg wash, add decorations if using
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown
- Cool on wire rack before serving
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
- If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time
- Let bread cool completely before slicing for clean cuts
- Decorate with dyed eggs after the final rise but before baking
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 280 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Easter bread, homemade bread, braided bread, sweet bread, holiday baking, Easter recipes, traditional bread, festive bread