Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (2024)

Jump to RecipeJump to Video

Italian Easter Bread is soft sweet braided bread with an Easter egg baked in the middle. This sweet Easter bread recipe includes easy step-by-step photos and a video.

Easter is approaching! We have been making Italian Easter Bread for years and it is still one of our favorite Easter traditions with our kids! We also enjoy making bunny pizzas and Easter sugar cookies!

Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (1)

What Does Italian Easter Bread Symbolize?

There is a variance of stories behind the significance of Easter bread. While researching its history, the story I most relate to contains Christian symbolism behind it. Just as bread is a daily sustenance of life, so is the body of Christ who sacrificed himself so that we may have new life. Jesus Christ is the bread of life.

My recipe for Easter bread twists two ropes together to make the nests, but some traditional Easter bread is braided with three ropes. Supposedly, the three ropes symbolize the elements of the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) and the braided wreath represents the crown of thorns Jesus wore on the cross during his crucifixion. The eggs represent the new life we have in Christ.

Knowing these points of symbolism, you could use this Easter bread recipe as a Bible story activity with your kids. Just tweak the recipe below to create three ropes for each nest, which is easy to do.

Easter Bread Ingredients

(full printable recipe at end of this post)

We like to focus on recipes with simple and accessible ingredients from the grocery store or already in your pantry. Below are the ingredients to make this Easter bread recipe.

What you need to make Easter bread:

  • Instant yeast: Also known as "rapid rise" yeast or "bread machine" yeast.
  • Milk: I've used full-fat and low-fat with fine results. You need to warm it up, no hotter than 115°F though.
  • Salt: Just a pinch.
  • Unsalted butter: Set this out a couple of hours before to get it to room temperature.
  • Eggs: Two eggs to mix into the dough, six to color and bake in the center of each nest, and one more to make an egg wash.
  • Sugar: Because this is a sweet dough.
  • All-purpose flour: I've never tried any other kind in this recipe.

What Others Say About This Recipe

OMG! It is amazing. Reminds me of the years as a kid making this with my nonnie... -Melissa

The dough was very easy to work with. But I just love the flavor, texture and appearance. -Ann

I made the Italian Easter bread this morning and this recipe is a definitely a “keeper” ! -Debra

This was such an easy/forgiving bread dough that I’m tempted to make it more often... -Gail

I just made these! I must say they are excellent and beautiful...thanks for a great recipe! -Heidi

We made these for Easter and they were a big hit. -Lynn

They were outstanding and I got nothing but compliments about the bread. -Marietta

I made this recipe this year and it was AMAZING! -Lisa

I have made Italian Easter Bread for many years and I love this recipe. It’s easy and delicious. -Shirley

Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (2)

How to Make Italian Easter Bread

My recipe for Easter bread yields six small braided bread loaves with an egg in the middle of each nest. Scroll to the recipe card for the step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial. The general steps are as follows:

  1. First, in a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, milk, salt, butter, eggs, sugar and some flour.
  2. Next, on low speed, add the rest of the flour until a dough forms.
  3. After a dough is formed, knead until smooth. Add more flour as necessary, until tacky.
  4. Then, transfer to oiled bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour.
  5. When the dough is risen to double its size, divide into 12 equal pieces and roll into 14-inch ropes.
  6. Next, twist ropes to form a "braid" then join ends to form a wreath. Place on lined baking sheet.
  7. Then, cover with towel and let rise 1 more hour.
  8. After the second rise, brush wreaths with egg wash. Decorate with sprinkles.
  9. Lastly, place a raw dyed egg in center of each nest and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (3)Is Challah the Same as Easter Bread?

You may be thinking Challah bread looks the same as Easter bread. They are very similar and almost the same! In fact, Easter bread was developed from Jewish Challah bread and modified over time.

Make Ahead Tips

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can make the dough the day before and keep it in the fridge overnight. The next day, remove from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before shaping into the nests. Or, you can shape the nests the day before and remove from the fridge and let rest to complete their last rise.

Can I freeze Easter bread?
You can freeze the dough shaped as nests before baking, or freeze the bread after baked but without the egg. To freeze the raw dough, complete all the steps up including shaping the twisted nests. Place on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, remove from plastic wrap and place on baking sheet to let thaw. Once thawed, allow nests to complete their last rise then continue with baking instructions.

Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (4)Your Questions Answered

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can be doubled to make 12 Easter bread nests.

Can you eat the eggs in Easter bread?
Yes, you can eat the egg in Easter bread. The egg cooks while in the oven to a soft boil. You can dip the bread into the center of the egg if you like. Or, if you'd rather have a hard boiled egg, then leave the egg out and place hard boiled eggs into the center of the already baked bread before serving. If you do not consume the bread within a couple of hours, then discard the eggs.

Do you dye the eggs?
Yes! Not only do we have fun making and shaping the dough, it's fun for you and your kids to color the eggs together. The photo below was Judah's first time dying Easter eggs (8 years ago) for our first time making Italian Easter bread. He thoroughly enjoyed it and hardly made a mess. (What a surprise!)

Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (5)

The bread bakes up insanely soft and is on the sweeter side. It reminds me of the Hawaiian bread you can buy in the grocery stores. Don't you love how beautiful it is!? I'm thrilled to tell you that the method is super simple! You'll be impressing your Easter guests with little laboring...trust me. 😉

Recipe Variations

Hard boiled egg - This recipe results in a more soft-boiled or somewhat runny egg. If you prefer a hard boiled egg, I suggest just adding a hard boiled egg to the top after the bread is already baked.

Flavor - Traditional Easter bread includes anise flavoring and/or citrus, but I do not like the taste of anise, so I leave it out. You'll notice many recipes leave it out.

Braid - Instead of making 6 separate wreaths, you can opt to make one large braided loaf and stick the eggs around the edge. Adjust the baking time as necessary -- just keep a watch on it.

Use as place cards - Use edible ink to write names on the eggs and use as place cards at your Easter dinner table.

Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (6)

More Easter Recipes

Click here for even more Easter recipe ideas!

Made this recipe? Leave a star rating and tag me on Instagram @seededtable so I can see. I love hearing from you!

This recipe was originally published April 3, 2012 and updated March 2022 with no changes to the recipe.

Recipe Card

Italian Easter Bread + VIDEO

Italian Easter Bread is soft sweet braided bread with an Easter egg baked in the middle. This sweet Easter bread recipe includes easy step-by-step photos and a video.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Rising Time2 hours hrs

Total Time2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course: Bread, Easter

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: braided bread, easter bread, easter bread recipe, easter wreath, italian easter bread

Servings: 6 loaves

Calories: 289kcal

Author: Nikki Gladd

Ingredients

  • 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • cup butter , at room temperature
  • 2 eggs , lightly beaten
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 ½ to 4 ½ cups flour
  • egg wash (1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon of water)
  • 6 dyed , uncooked, Easter eggs (will cook in the oven)
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  • First, mix together the yeast, milk, salt, butter, eggs and sugar in a large bowl. Then, add 2 cups of flour and beat until smooth, with the paddle attachment. With the mixer on low speed, continue to slowly add the rest of the flour just until a dough forms.

  • After a dough is formed, switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed so that it is tacky, not sticky. (Alternatively, the dough can be kneaded on a floured work surface, by hand.) Transfer to an oiled bowl, turning once to coat both sides. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled, about 1 hour.

  • Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces (about 3.5 oz each). Roll each piece into a 14-inch rope.

    Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (8)

  • Then, twist two ropes to form a "braid", and then join the ends to loop into a circle while pinching the tips together. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough ropes. Cover with a clean towel and let rise again until nearly doubled, about 1 more hour.

    Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (9)

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the tops of the dough "nests" with the egg wash, and then top evenly with sprinkles.

    Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (10)

  • Finally, place one egg in the center of each nest, pressing down lightly to secure, and then bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

  • The eggs will be cooked to a soft boil and can be eaten by cracking and dipping the bread in them, however, I would recommend discarding them if not consumed within a few hours.
  • This dough can be made ahead of time and frozen. See above in the blog post on steps for freezing dough.
  • Nutrition information is an estimate only.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 250mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 714IU | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Take a pic and tag @seededtable or #SeededAtTheTable to be featured!

Italian Easter Bread | How to make Easter bread | EASY recipe + VIDEO (2024)

FAQs

What is Italian Easter bread made of? ›

This Traditional Italian Easter Bread is a soft sweet brioche dough formed into wreaths or braided. Coloured eggs are baked into the bread and the bread is sprinkled with lots of nonpareils. Festive and bright for the Easter Holiday.

Why is my Easter bread so dry? ›

Bread can become too dry if baked too long which can add to crumb issues. While one recipe may bake wonderfully at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes in one oven, baking in a friend's oven may result in something different.

What is Paska bread made of? ›

Paska stems from a line of bread that's similar to brioche. It's an enriched yeast bread made with butter, eggs and egg yolks, milk, and sugar. It's heavy and delightful, the exact thing you want to wake up to in the morning and smear butter all over.

What is Greek Easter bread made of? ›

In a large bowl, combine seven cups of flour, the ground almonds, salt, remaining sugar, orange rind, aniseed or mahlepi and masticha (if using). Make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter and eggs.

What type of bread is commonly associated with Easter? ›

Colomba di Pasqua originated somewhere in the Lombardy region of Italy. It's an enriched bread with a sugar-nut syrup coating served on Easter. The loaves are shaped like a dove to symbolize peace.

What is the name of the fancy Italian bread? ›

1. Focaccia. Out of all the famous breads of Italy, the Focaccia is one of the most loved. Often packed the flavour and seasoning, the Focaccia takes its name from the Latin word for 'hearth'.

What is the difference between babka and paska bread? ›

While they are both yeasted, sweet, enriched breads, paska tends to be wide and round with dough shaped on top to form religious symbols or decorative shapes. Ukrainian babka is a tall cylinder that sometimes contains raisins and/or citrus zest, and can have icing on top.

What is Markouk bread made of? ›

Markook shrak is a type of thin bread. The dough is unleavened and usually made with only flour, water, and salt, and after being rested and divided into round portions, flattened and spread across a round cushion until it is thin then flipped onto the saj. It is often folded and put in bags before being sold.

What is the difference between paska and kulich? ›

Kulich is a variant of paska Easter breads and represents not only Easter but also the spring. Easter is a very important celebration in Eastern European countries, even more important than Christmas.

What is Elvis bread? ›

Peanut Butter Banana Walnut Bread As everybody knows… Elvis loved his banana peanut butter sandwiches. I decided to combine the two ingredients to make this banana bread. I also love the crunch of Walnuts so instead of using crunchy peanut butter I'm using smooth peanut butter and I'm adding chopped walnuts.

What is Hebrew bread? ›

Challah (/ˈxɑːlə/, Hebrew: חַלָּה ḥallā [χa'la] or Hallah [ħɑl'la]; plural: challot, Challoth or challos, also berches in Central Europe) is a special bread of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, usually braided and typically eaten on ceremonial occasions such as Shabbat and major Jewish holidays (other than Passover).

What is the religious significance of Easter bread? ›

The bread is rich in meaning and symbolism. The wreath shape represents the crown of thorns worn by Christ at the crucifixion. The three-ropes in the braid stand for each person of the Holy Trinity. Lastly, the egg in the center reminds us of the resurrection of Jesus and the rebirth of Spring.

What is panettone bread made of? ›

Pronounced "pah-net-taw-nee," Panettone is an Italian yeast-leavened bread, usually made with raisins, candied fruit peels, almonds, and brandy.

What is the traditional Easter meal in Italy? ›

As the main course, agnello, or lamb, is the star of the Easter table in Italy. Depending on the region, it can be served in a variety ways. For example, in central Italy, the dish is usually a roasted leg of lamb, simply served with rosemary and potatoes.

Why do Italians eat colomba for Easter? ›

Colomba, a traditional Italian Easter cake, holds a special place in the heart of Italian cuisine. This sweet dove-shaped bread, symbolising peace and renewal, is a beloved delicacy during the Easter season.

Why do we eat Easter bread? ›

The Easter holiday is one where bread brings itself into the symbolic realm. Bread is significant for religious purposes. Luisa Fois described bread in her life after she was married and for the Easter holiday. The bread was made into a cross to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Last Updated:

Views: 6137

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Birthday: 1997-10-17

Address: Suite 835 34136 Adrian Mountains, Floydton, UT 81036

Phone: +3571527672278

Job: Manufacturing Agent

Hobby: Skimboarding, Photography, Roller skating, Knife making, Paintball, Embroidery, Gunsmithing

Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.