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traditional Italian Sweet Glazed Easter Bread

Soft and Fluffy Traditional Italian Sweet Glazed Easter Bread

This traditional Italian sweet glazed Easter bread is soft, fluffy, and a symbol of joy during the holiday season.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour soft
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
  • 3 large eggs fresh
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest fresh
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk for thinning
For the Topping
  • 1 cup sprinkles colorful

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • baking pan
  • wire rack
  • Whisk
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Create a well in the middle and add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide the dough into three equal portions, roll each piece into long strands, and braid them together. Place the braided dough in a greased baking pan.
  6. Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the final minutes of the second rise. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm to properly activate the yeast. Knead until the dough is supple and not sticky. Allow the dough to rise fully for best results.

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