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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Position the braided masterpiece on a prepared baking sheet, cloak it, and allow a secondary rise for approximately one hour.
- 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.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the bread achieves a golden, sun-kissed complexion and a inserted toothpick emerges pristine.
- 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