Nonna Pina's 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.

Warm together 300 ml of whole milk and 120 grams of butter in a saucepan or microwave until just above body temperature.

In a mixing bowl, add 2 large eggs and 110 grams of sugar.

Add the zest of 2 large lemons to the egg and sugar mixture.

Mix together until slightly frothy, then add the warm milk and butter mixture, pouring it down the side of the bowl.

Sprinkle 8 grams of active dry yeast over the top and whisk to incorporate.

Gradually add 4 cups of flour, adjusting as needed for consistency until the dough holds together but is still sticky.

Dust the work surface with flour and turn the dough out, sprinkling more flour on top.

Gently knead the dough for a few minutes until it feels less sticky and holds together.

Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with a clean towel to rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Dye the eggs by adding 1 cup of water, food coloring, and 2 teaspoons of vinegar to a cup, then submerge the raw eggs for about 10 minutes.

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto the work surface with the top facing down and flatten it into a rectangle.

Roll the dough into a log, cutting into 4 pieces for small loaves or 2 for larger loaves.

Braid the logs together, pinching the ends to secure them, and transfer to a lined baking tray.

Cover the loaves with a towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes to an hour until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Brush the loaves with an egg wash made from 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water, then add sprinkles on top.

Place the dyed eggs in the center of the loaves.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, then transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens