Description
Classic Braided Easter Bread is a golden, buttery masterpiece perfect for your holiday table. This traditional sweet bread, enriched with butter and eggs, features a soft interior and colorful dyed eggs nestled in its braids. A festive centerpiece that brings warmth to any Easter celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs (plus 1 for egg wash)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 6 dyed Easter eggs (uncooked)
- Pearl sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Activate yeast by combining warm milk, water, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit until foamy (5-10 mins)
- Make dough by mixing flour, sugar, salt, yeast mixture, butter, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Knead for 8 mins
- Let dough rise in greased bowl for 1-2 hours until doubled in size
- Punch down dough, divide into 3 ropes, braid on baking sheet, and tuck in dyed eggs
- Let shaped dough rise for 45-60 mins until puffy
- Preheat oven to 350°F, brush with egg wash, and bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown
Notes
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Freeze for longer storage (up to 2 months)
- Eggs in bread are decorative – provide hard-boiled eggs for eating
- For extra shine, brush with melted butter after baking
- Let cool completely before slicing for clean cuts
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 280 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Easter bread, braided bread, holiday bread, sweet bread, traditional Easter recipe, yeast bread, festive bread