This is an old family recipe for Italian Easter bread. Also referred to as Pane di Pasqua, the bread is a traditional loaf prepared during the Easter holiday. You will love how easy this sweet egg bread comes together. My favourite way to serve is with boiled eggs and Italian cured meats. The combination of savory flavors and saltiness against the sweet Italian Easter bread make for an amazing eating experience and IMO a top highlight of the yearly celebration.
Yields:
8 braided rings
Ingredients:
- Yeast, 2 envelopes
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened
- Milk, 2 cups, warmed
- Eggs, 5 large, whisked
- Sugar, 10oz.
- Lemon, 1 medium, zest only
- Flour, 8 cups (plus more for dusting and rolling)
What you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Tea towels
- Sheet pans
What to do:
Dissolve the yeast in 4 ounces of lukewarm water (sprinkle in a bit of sugar to help activate). Measure out and prep the butter, milk, eggs, sugar and lemon as directed in the ingredient list.
Create a well with the flour and pour the butter, milk, eggs, sugar and lemon into the center. Mix everything together slowly, incorporating well and bringing in small amounts of flour from the well wall. Continue until it all comes together then knead into a large ball.
Place the dough in a flour-dusted bowl and cover with a tea towel. Let rise for 1-2 hours depending on the room climate. For best rising results place the bowl inside the oven (turned off).
Divide the dough in half and then divide each half into 4 quarters so that there are now 8 pieces of equal size. Work with one piece at a time while the others are covered under a tea towel (to avoid drying out).
Divide it into three equal pieces and roll each into a long skinny snake shape. Braid the three lengths and meet the ends to form a braided ring. Set the ring on a flour dusted or parchment lined sheet pan. Repeat for each of the 8 pieces.
Cover the bread rings with clean tea towels and allow proofing before baking, about 1 hour (time will vary depending on environment). Egg wash all the rings with an egg and water mixture.
Place trays in the rack level one notch above the middle and bake @ 350°F for approximately 15-20 minutes. Time depends on how well it rises. Watch for a golden brown bottom.