Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)
User Reviews
4.9
Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)
Description
This recipe for Italian Easter Bread begins by combining sifted flour with sugar and yeast. Warm milk, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt are mixed into the flour mixture to form a smooth and elastic dough, which is then left to rise until doubled. Boiled eggs are prepared separately, cooled, and later tucked into the braided dough formed by rolling and braiding two long strands joined into a circular shape. An egg wash is brushed over the dough and multicolored sprinkles added for a festive look. Baking at moderate temperature yields a golden crust surrounding a soft, slightly sweet interior. The bread embodies a balance of citrus aroma and rich buttery texture, often enjoyed during Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter at room temperature, unsalted
- 4-5 egg depending on size, at room temperature
- 4 egg for decoration
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- Sprinkles multi-colored
- 1 egg egg beaten with water for egg wash
Instructions
- Use a fine sieve to sifted the flour into the bowl of a standing mixer or a large bowl. Mix in the sugar and the active dry yeast.
- Heat up the milk. Once heated, slowly pour into the flour mixture, and mix thoroughly.
- Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and add to the mixture a lıttle at a time, allowing each portion to fully incorporate before adding the next. Add 4 large eggs, the vanilla and orange zest, salt and continue to mix.
- Brıng the dough together into a ball and place in a bowl, cover with film, and leave in a warm place until it has doubled in volume.
- Boil 4 eggs and let them cool.
- Divide the dough into two pieces, roll each piece out into long sausages and braid the two together. Form a circle by joining the two ends together.
- Preheat the oven at 356°F.
- Tuck the boiled eggs into the braid (they will settle into place as the dough rises), brush the surface with the beaten egg, sprinkle over some sugar sprinkles, and bake for 40 minutes or until it becomes golden-brown.
- When cooked, take the bread out and let it cool. Serve it cut into slices.
Notes
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
