Description
This traditional Italian Easter bread is a sweet, enriched dough that is often braided and decorated with colored eggs, symbolizing resurrection and rebirth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until warm, then dissolve the yeast in the mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs, vanilla, and anise extract.
- Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
- After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts to braid them together.
- Braid the dough and shape it into a circle. Place on a baking sheet and let rise again until doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely and decorate with colored eggs if desired.
Notes
- This bread can be served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast.
- For a glossy finish, brush with an egg wash before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg