Italian Easter Bread

Published: Apr 11, 2023 · Modified: Jan 9, 2024 by Lois · As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site contains affiliate links · 41 Comments

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Are you looking for the perfect Easter recipe to wow your family and friends this holiday? This Italian Easter Bread Recipe is made with a delicious soft, fluffy brioche-style dough.

Not only does it taste amazing but it also looks stunning with its festive array of brightly colored eggs nestled inside. With just a few simple steps, you'll soon be on your way to creating an unforgettable Easter tradition!

Check out all the otherEaster Bread Recipesfor even more deliciousness!

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This classic recipe takes some time and love from start to finish, but when all is said and done you'll have an incredibly flavorful result that will leave lasting memories for everyone involved.

If you're looking for a shortcut version of this recipe using frozen bread dough, check out my Individual Easter Bread Rings. Especially if you find yourself a little too busy to make a homemade bread recipe, so this is a nice alternative.

Or maybe the thought of working with a yeast dough is intimidating? Try my Bread Machine Easter Bread recipe that uses the bread machine to make and rise the dough.

Table of Contents

What does Italian Easter Bread symbolize?
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
📋Ingredients
🥣Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Yeast
Allow the Dough to Rise
How to Braid the Dough
Baking Instructions
Before You Begin!
Substitutions and Variations
🍶Storage Tips
Recipe FAQ
🌟Try these recipes next...
📇Recipe Card
💬 Comments

What does Italian Easter Bread symbolize?

Do you have a family tradition for Easter? Easter Breads are festive and makes such a pretty presentation. It also makes a lovely gift to bring to the hostess for Easter Sunday dinner.

There are a few different ways to prepare Italian Easter Bread. One is in the shape of a wreath to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ when he was crucified.

The other is to braid the dough to represent the Holy Trinity. Some breads have eggs and some don't. The eggs symbolize "rebirth" which in turn symbolizes Christ rising from the dead.

Fleischmann's Active Dry YeastMore Information Stainless Steel ScrapperMore Information Large Silicone Pastry MatMore Information Wood French Rolling PinMore Information

📋Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.

Italian Easter Bread | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (6)

You'll also need the following items not shown in the photo above:

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
2tspgrated Lemon Zest

📌Quick Tip: It's important that you use RAW colored eggs with this recipe. The eggs will cook in the oven while the bread bakes. If you use hard-boiled eggs, they might explode in the oven while the bread bakes

🥣Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Yeast

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the heated milk with the package of dry yeast and 2 tablespoon sugar. Set aside until the mixture is foamy.

Italian Easter Bread | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (7)

Step 2: In a mixing bowl with the dough hook attached, add 4 cups of the flour. Then add the eggs.

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Step 3: Slowly add the melted butter and combine.

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Step 4: Next, add the sugar.

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Step 5: Then add in the salt, lemon zest and almond extract.

Italian Easter Bread | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (11)

Step 6: Once the yeast mixture has "proofed" add it to the mixing bowl as well and begin to combine everything together. If the dough becomes too sticky or wet, add more of the remaining flour.

Italian Easter Bread | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (12)

Step 7: As soon as the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and come together, set your kitchen timer for 8 minutes and let the machine "knead" the dough for you.

Allow the Dough to Rise

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Step 8: Remove the dough from the mixing bowl to a floured surfaced and knead by hand for a minute.

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Step 9: Place the dough in a bowl with a little oil. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.

How to Braid the Dough

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Step 10: After the dough has risen once, remove it from the bowl onto a floured surface. Work the dough into two long strips or ropes and begin to braid.

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Step 11: And yes, I know technically this is not a braid. If you want you can make three long strips and then make a traditional braid like I do with my Bread Machine Italian Easter Bread.

Baking Instructions

Italian Easter Bread | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (17)

Step 12: Tuck the ends of the braids together and then add aluminum foil place holders for the eggs. This step is not necessary, but I like to do it so the dough doesn't rise up around the eggs. Cover with plastic wrap loosely and allow the bread to double in size.

Italian Easter Bread | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (18)

Step 13: Insert the RAW colored eggs into sections of the braided dough. Don't worry, the eggs will cook in the oven as the bread bakes. Brush with the egg wash and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

Before You Begin!

If you make this recipe, pleaseleave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

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Substitutions and Variations

This bread dough recipe is delicious any time of year. You don't have to use it only for Easter bread.
Once the dough has risen, you can form it any way you'd like as well. You can divide the dough into smaller loaves or make individual braided rings.
My grandmother's recipe is very similar to this Easy Egg Bread Recipe.

🍶Storage Tips

Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in a paper bag to keep it from drying out.
You can also place the bread inside an airtight container or zip-top bag and store at room temperature for up to two days.
For longer storage, place in the refrigerator or freezer.

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Recipe FAQ

What is Easter bread made of?

Easter bread is a type of sweet egg bread traditionally made around the Easter holiday. It is usually made with flour, eggs, butter, milk, sugar, and yeast. Some recipes may also include fruits or nuts such as raisins or almonds. The dough is given time to rise before it is shaped into a loaf or braid with pastel colored eggs and baked until golden brown.

🌟Try these recipes next...

Easter Bunny Cupcakes
Italian Easter Cookies
Easter Breakfast Ideas for Church
Resurrection Garden for Easter Decorating

Let’s Do Brunch Easter Spring Celebration Printable eBookClick HERE to SAVE!

📇Recipe Card

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Yield: 1 loaf of bread

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Rise Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

A family tradition to celebrate Easter with this delicious bread that has colored eggs braided through the dough.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough

1 cup warm milk 105 - 115°F
1 package active dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
5 cups flour; more if needed
1 cup butter melted COOLED butter
4 eggs
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Colored Easter Eggs

Easter Egg Coloring Kit
3-4 raw eggs

For the Egg Wash/Glaze

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon of water

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the heated milk with the package of dry yeast and 2 tbsp. sugar. Set aside until the mixture is foamy.
In a mixing bowl with the dough hook attached, add 4 cups of the flour along with the remaining ingredients.
Once the yeast mixture has "proofed" add it to the mixing bowl as well and begin to combine everything together.
If the dough becomes too sticky or wet, add more of the remaining flour.
Once the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and come together, set your kitchen timer for 8 minutes and let the machine "knead" the dough for you.
Remove the dough from the mixing bowl to a floured surfaced and knead by hand for a few minutes.
Place the dough in another clean mixing bowl that has a little bit of oil rubbed over the entire bowl.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel...set aside to rise until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, dye 3 eggs...keeping them RAW.
After the dough has doubled, punch it down and transfer to a floured surface.
Divide the dough into two balls and slowly work them into long ropes.
Braid the two ropes into one loaf and place on a baking tray that is lined with parchment paper.
Insert the RAW colored eggs into sections of the braided loaf of bread.
Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to double again.
Make the egg wash using the yolk and 1 tablespoon of water.
Carefully brush the bread with the egg wash.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

Notes

You must use RAW eggs.They will cook in the oven while the bread is cooking.

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Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2014 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Christina Campitiello says
April 19, 2022 at 9:53 am
Tried this recipe and it is delicious !
I even got Request’s from my family to make it again -
Thank you for sharing this recipe 💕
Reply
- Lois says
  April 20, 2022 at 11:25 am
  I'm so happy to hear you all enjoyed the recipe. Thank you coming back to let me know.
  Reply
Linda says
April 10, 2020 at 3:40 pm
I was wondering if you can make the dough and put it together the day before and just put it in the oven Easter Day.
Reply
- Lois says
  April 11, 2020 at 10:06 am
  I have never tried that! But the bread stays fresh for a few days. I usually bake this bread the day before Easter and serve it with our breakfast and then have it out when my family comes for dinner later in the day. It always tastes delicious and it's even better a few days later toasted! Thank you for visiting.
  Reply
Bonnie Taylor says
February 06, 2020 at 4:34 pm
The traditional Italian Easter Bread is shaped in a ring with 5 colored raw eggs. The ring represents the crown of thorns and the eggs represent the five wounds of the crucified Christ. It is a delicious holiday treat with a religious meaning.
Reply
- Lois says
  February 06, 2020 at 7:21 pm
  I never knew that! Thank you for the information.
  Reply
Heidi says
March 23, 2019 at 12:49 pm
What a fabulous looking Easter bread. I cannot wait to try my hand at your recipe! Pinning so I can make it this Easter!
Reply
See Also
3-Ingredient Sponge Cake Recipe - As Easy As Apple Pie
- Lois says
  March 23, 2019 at 5:57 pm
  Thanks Heidi! Hope you enjoy the recipe and the new tradition!
  Reply
  - Nancy Pallotto says
    May 14, 2019 at 10:48 am
    It is beautiful. My mother-in-law, from Italy, made it like that except she added anise to it.
    Reply
    - Lois says
      May 14, 2019 at 4:27 pm
      Yes! We've done that flavor also. Thank you for visiting.
      Reply
Jasmine | Midsummer Life Dream says
March 21, 2019 at 6:53 am
I made this a few years ago and it was delicious and so festive, but I lost the recipe and forgot about it. Thanks for sharing so that I can make this again!
Reply
- Lois says
  March 21, 2019 at 1:34 pm
  I'm so happy you came to check out the recipe! It's one of our favorite traditions. Thank you for visiting.
  Reply
Kim~madeinaday says
March 13, 2018 at 12:09 pm

Gorgeous bread! I would love this for Easter. Pinned & sharing! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Reply
- Lois says
  March 13, 2018 at 2:10 pm
  Thank you! Your party is one of my favorites. Thanks for visiting!
  Reply
Rachel Teodoro says
April 10, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Just wanted you to know that I will be featuring this project on an Easter round up as part of the create link inspire party. Thanks for linking up!
Reply
Jemma@athomewithjemma says
March 04, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Good Morning Lois,
We are homemade bread people and we would love this! Not to mention that it is gorgeous.
The ladies at Thoughts of Home on Thursday would love for you to join us at our party and share your time and talents with us too!
Thank you,
Jemma
Reply
Carole says
March 03, 2016 at 10:03 pm
Lois, this would be a great contribution to Food on Friday: Easter Foods over at Carole's Chatter. Please do bring it over. Cheers
Reply
Shirley Wood says
March 03, 2016 at 3:20 pm
I made yeast rolls yesterday and doing this crossed my mind. It's so cute. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday.
Reply
Kati says
March 01, 2016 at 7:52 pm
Your bread is so beautiful! I don't think I want to wait until Easter to try this, it looks amazing.
Reply
Catherine says
February 25, 2016 at 6:54 pm
Dear Lois, you bread looks beautiful! I must make my own sometime. My niece is hosting Easter this year and it would so nice to bring this to her. xo, Catherine
Reply
Forgetful Mom says
March 27, 2015 at 2:24 am
I have never seen anything like this before! It's beautiful.
Reply
Rose FineCraftGuild says
March 25, 2015 at 7:52 am
Wow. This looks officially FANTASTIC. I now have a bread machine and wonder if I could make something like this in it. Worth a try! Thank you. I am really pleased you linked this up with us at our linky party! Hugs, Rose, FineCraftGuild.com
Reply
Cathy McInnes says
March 25, 2015 at 2:03 am
I have always wondered how to make this! Looks great! I would love for you to share this over at my new link party Making Memories Mondays going on now!
Cathy@threekidsandafish{dot}com
Reply
Diane Roark says
March 24, 2015 at 11:41 pm
Your Easter Bread is truly beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share on Wonderful Wed. blog hop. I pinned several times.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
recipesforourdailybread
ouramericantravels
Reply
Diane Roark says
March 24, 2015 at 11:40 pm
Your Easter Bread is truly beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share on Wonderful Wed. blog hop. I pinned several times.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
recipesforourdailybread
ouramericantravels
Reply
Diana Hansen says
March 24, 2015 at 11:12 pm
Very cool!!
Reply
Krista Low says
April 25, 2014 at 7:02 pm
This bread looks so fun and festive. I have seen variations of this but never made any. What a fun Easter tradition!
Reply
Allie Bobe says
April 23, 2014 at 6:20 am
Hi there, I've featured your Easter Bread on Worthwhile Wednesdays,
Reply
Ronda Eagle says
April 20, 2014 at 4:20 pm
Hi! What a great Easter bread. I do a similar Portuguese Sweet Bread - so fun and delicious. Thanks for stopping by #TheWeekendSocial and linking up! I have pinned, stumbled and shared your link across social media. I hope to see you again next week!
Reply
Kathi Riemer says
April 19, 2014 at 7:53 pm
I am going to make this tomorrow. Thank you for sharing!
Kathi
Reply
Joanne DiPalo says
April 18, 2014 at 11:07 pm
My aunt always made the Easter Bread. I never thought to try it but you make it look so easy. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe Lois. Pinned/shared.
Reply
Leslie Tally says
April 18, 2014 at 1:39 pm
How creative! I love it! Just found you at the Turn for Us blog party. Thanks so much for sharing!
~Leslie
Reply
Cathy McInnes says
April 17, 2014 at 1:07 pm
I love Easter bread and yours looks perfect! Checking this out from Artsy corner Thursday! Yummy!
Cathy
Reply
Sugar Cookies to Peterbilts says
April 17, 2014 at 1:55 am
Lois, This has to be the most beautiful Easter bread ever! I think I have to make it 🙂
Reply
Maria says
April 17, 2014 at 12:20 am
Your Easter bread looks great! I've made this bread a couple of times too, my husband's Italian side of the family makes it, so I started making it too after we got married! Happy Easter to you! 🙂
Reply
Crochet Hooks says
April 17, 2014 at 12:13 am
looks yummy! i love the little eggs sticking their heads out of the bread - maybe checking if they can escape without being eaten lol 🙂
Reply
FoodtasticMom says
April 16, 2014 at 1:46 pm
I have seen lots of versions of this and keep wondering if I should try it myself. I'm stopping over from Buns in my Oven. I like your pictures. It's helpful to see how to assemble this. Pinning and I think I might try it this year! 🙂
Reply
Wendy Klik says
April 16, 2014 at 1:34 pm
I am so glad I stopped by from Wednesday Whatsits. I have always wondered how you managed to get the hardboiled eggs into the loaf and now I know. I can't wait to add this addition to our Easter menu. Thanks!!
Reply
Rachael Yerkes says
April 16, 2014 at 4:59 am
How fun. I have never seen this before. What a cool idea. I will definitely have to give this a try.
Reply
Beth says
April 16, 2014 at 2:21 am
The bread looksso goo! Thank you for the recipe!
Reply
Marlys Folly says
April 16, 2014 at 12:26 am
This sounds and looks wonderful Lois. Pinning and SU
Reply

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