How to make Delicious Sweet Bread for Easter | Sweet Easter Bread Recipe | Italian Easter Bread

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil reduces saturated fat while adding a subtle flavor.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener with a unique taste.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories, while water is a budget-friendly alternative.

eggs

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: egg substitute

Flaxseed meal is a vegan option that binds ingredients well.

Pour lukewarm water into a bowl and add sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir until dissolved.

Add room temperature butter to the mixture and blend well. Melted butter can also be used.

Gradually add flour to the mixture and combine until a dough forms.

Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Avoid adding extra flour.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm environment for 1 hour.

After 1 hour, deflate the dough and add half a cup of raisins, orange zest, freshly ground nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Incorporate these into the dough.

Divide the dough into three equal parts and shape them into smooth round balls. Let them rest for 8 to 10 minutes.

Flatten each dough ball and roll it into a long rope approximately 60 cm in length.

Dust the ropes with flour to prevent sticking and braid them together by alternating the strands, bringing the right over the middle and then the left over the middle until finished.

Transfer the braided dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover it. Let it rise for 80 to 90 minutes.

After rising, give the dough an egg wash for a shiny finish.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the bread for around 35 minutes until golden brown.

Once baked, let the bread cool. Optionally, top with icing made from 1-2 tablespoons of milk, 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

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Dietary

Allergens