Description
This Creamy Braided Easter Bread is a luxurious, buttery masterpiece perfect for your holiday table. Featuring a golden crust, tender crumb, and luscious creamy filling, this easy-to-make bread will become an instant Easter tradition. Impress your guests with this stunning centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp (6g) salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs + 1 for egg wash
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (for filling)
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar (for filling)
- 1 egg yolk (for filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough by combining dry ingredients, then adding wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms
- Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Let dough rise in a greased bowl for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size
- Prepare creamy filling by beating all filling ingredients together
- Punch down dough and divide into 3 equal portions, rolling each into a 20-inch rope
- Braid ropes loosely and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Let rise 30 minutes, then brush with egg wash
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown
Notes
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure milk is at the ideal temperature (110°F/43°C)
- Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best results
- Brush baked bread with melted butter immediately after baking for extra shine
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Freeze for longer storage (up to 1 month)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Easter bread, braided bread, cream cheese bread, holiday bread, homemade bread, Easter recipe, sweet bread, yeast bread