Description
Italian Easter Bread, or Pane di Pasqua, is a delightful treat that boasts a soft, pillowy texture and a subtly sweet flavor, enhanced by hints of citrus and anise. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a rich, buttery experience that is both comforting and festive, perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, anise extract, and lemon zest to the flour mixture.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts; roll each part into a long rope.
- Braid the three ropes together and shape into a circle, pinching the ends to seal.
- Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with colored sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- This bread can be made a day in advance; store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with buttermilk.
- Feel free to add dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the loaf)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 150 milligrams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
Keywords: Italian Easter Bread, Pane di Pasqua, Easter recipes, sweet bread, holiday baking, traditional Italian bread, festive bread, braided bread, citrus bread, anise flavor, homemade bread, Italian cuisine, Easter traditions, family recipes, seasonal baking