The Best Grandma Nardis Italian Easter Bread Recipe Ever Made

Nestled within my family’s cherished cookbook, grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter bread carries whispers of tradition and love.

Delicate strands of memory weave through each braided twist.

Soft golden dough speaks of generations past, kneading stories into every crumb.

Sweet aromas fill kitchens with anticipation of festive gatherings.

Colorful eggs nestled within promise celebration and connection.

Each slice celebrates cultural heritage and culinary craftsmanship.

Let this recipe become your new springtime ritual.

Tips for Soft and Flavorful Easter Bread

• Use lukewarm milk between 100-110°F to ensure perfect yeast growth without killing the active cultures.
• Work the dough on a clean surface, adding flour sparingly to prevent a tough texture and maintain softness.
• Nestle colored, uncooked eggs into the braided dough before the second rise for an authentic Italian Easter presentation.
• Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
• Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to one month to maintain its delicate texture.

Variations of Italian Easter Bread to Try

• Gluten-Free Easter Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Celebration Loaf: Swap milk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version of the traditional bread.
• Vegan Easter Circular Bread: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce and use plant-based milk to make a completely vegan-friendly recipe that still maintains the festive circular shape.
• Low-Sugar Mediterranean Version: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or honey, and add chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for extra flavor and texture.

Foods to Enjoy with Italian Easter Bread

Pair this sweet Italian Easter bread with a light, fruity Moscato d’Asti from Italy, which complements the bread’s delicate orange zest and vanilla notes while adding a celebratory touch.

Select a creamy ricotta or mascarpone spread to enhance the bread’s soft texture, creating a delightful balance between the sweet bread and smooth, mild cheese.

Brew a smooth cappuccino or latte to serve alongside the bread, allowing the coffee’s rich warmth to contrast with the bread’s sweet, citrusy flavor profile.

Choose a sweet Vin Santo from Tuscany, which brings out the bread’s subtle sweetness and provides a luxurious accompaniment to this traditional Easter treat.

How to Keep Italian Easter Bread Fresh

• Store bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for 3-4 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent staleness.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure complete cooling before freezing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Wrap bread in aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check frequently to avoid over-browning.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds at medium power. Add a damp paper towel to prevent bread from becoming tough.

FAQs

• How did this Italian Easter Bread originate?

This recipe comes from Grandma Nardi’s traditional family recipe, passed down through generations in her Italian-American family, representing a classic Easter celebration bread.

• What makes the bread unique in texture?

The combination of kneading for 8-10 minutes and two rising periods creates a soft, light, and pillowy texture that’s characteristic of authentic Italian holiday breads.

• Why are colored sprinkles added to the bread?

The colorful sprinkles symbolize joy and celebration, traditionally representing the festive spirit of Easter and adding a playful, festive touch to the bread.

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but reduce the quantity by about 25% and skip the proofing step, mixing it directly with the dry ingredients.

Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread: Tradition in Every Bite

• Celebrate Family Traditions: Revive cherished Italian Easter memories with this heartwarming bread recipe passed down through generations, connecting family members through a delicious culinary experience.
• Master Baking Skills: Learn a beautiful braiding technique that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive, decorative bread perfect for special occasions and holiday gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in a fun, hands-on baking project where they can help knead dough, braid strands, and sprinkle colorful decorations, creating lasting family memories.
• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Craft a stunning, eye-catching bread that serves as both a delightful treat and a conversation-starting centerpiece for Easter celebrations or family brunches.

Ingredients for Italian Easter Bread

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the Easter bread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for a soft bread.
• Eggs: Provide richness, color, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Creates a tender and rich texture in the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the bread.
• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the traditional recipe.

• Yeast: Essential for helping the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.

• Colored Sprinkles: Adds a festive and decorative element to the Easter bread.
• Egg Wash: Creates a golden, shiny crust when baked.
• Water: Used to thin the egg wash for a smooth application.

Baking Process for Grandma Nardi’s Easter Bread

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

In a cozy small bowl, blend warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Gently stir to dissolve and allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes wonderfully frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough

• Flour
• Salt

• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest
• Eggs

Blend everything until a soft, cohesive dough emerges. Transfer to a floured surface and knead passionately for 8-10 minutes, developing a smooth and stretchy texture.

Step 3: First Rising

Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1-2 hours. Watch it magically double in size.

Step 4: Shape the Bread

Gently deflate the risen dough and divide into three equal portions. Roll each section into long, elegant ropes.

Carefully braid the ropes together, then form a beautiful circular shape, pinching the ends to create a seamless ring.

Step 5: Second Rising

Place the braided loaf on a greased baking sheet.

Cover and allow it to rise for another hour, becoming puffy and delightful.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Whisk an egg with a splash of water to create a golden wash. Generously brush the bread’s surface and sprinkle with colorful festive sprinkles.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the bread into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color and ensure it’s fully cooked by inserting a toothpick into the center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and sharing this delectable Easter treat with loved ones.

Grandma Nardis Italian Easter Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Grandma Nardis Italian Easter Bread weaves family tradition into a sweet, braided masterpiece of love and nostalgia. Fragrant citrus and delicate eggs nestled in golden dough invite cherished memories of festive Italian kitchens you’ll treasure with each warm, tender bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1/2 cup sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons orange zest

Leavening and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Colored sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast’s potential by whisking warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a compact vessel. Allow the mixture to transform and bubble for 5-10 minutes until luxuriously frothy.
2. Craft the dough foundation by blending flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Introduce the activated yeast, velvety butter, aromatic vanilla, vibrant orange zest, and eggs. Merge ingredients until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough onto a flour-dusted surface and knead rhythmically for 8-10 minutes, developing a silky, responsive texture that springs back when touched.
4. Nestle the dough into a generously greased bowl, drape with a pristine cloth, and permit it to ascend in a warm environment for 1-2 hours until it dramatically doubles in volume.
5. Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch, then partition into three equal segments. Roll each portion into elongated ropes, intricately braiding them together and forming a circular crown, sealing the ends with delicate pinches.
6. Position the braided masterpiece on a prepared baking sheet, cloak it, and allow a secondary rise for approximately one hour.
7. Ignite the oven to 350F. Whisk the remaining egg with water to create a glistening wash. Delicately brush the surface and sprinkle with festive, colorful confetti.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the bread achieves a golden, sun-kissed complexion and a inserted toothpick emerges pristine.
9. Permit the bread to cool completely, allowing its essence to settle before presenting this celebratory masterpiece.

Notes

• Activate yeast with precise temperature control to ensure proper fermentation without killing the microorganisms.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten structure, creating a soft and elastic texture with consistent stretching motions.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help dough rise evenly and prevent temperature shock during mixing.
• Replace traditional sprinkles with natural colored sugars for a healthier and more elegant decorative touch.
• Consider adding chopped candied orange peel or almond slivers for extra flavor complexity and traditional Italian texture.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, ensuring xanthan gum is included to maintain bread structure.
• Allow bread to cool completely on wire rack to prevent soggy bottom and maintain crisp exterior crust.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 216 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 44 mg