Delightfully Rich Easter Bread
Preparation Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 3 loaves
Description: This Easter Bread is a delightful treat, perfect for a festive breakfast. Known for its rich, aromatic flavor, this bread can be made in 1-pound coffee cans for a charming presentation, or in traditional loaf pans for a classic look. The recipe is adapted from The Finnish Cookbook, offering a taste of tradition with a touch of elegance. The prep time includes three rises, ensuring a light and airy texture that complements its sweet and spicy notes.
Ingredients:
- 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 cups milk
- 7-8 cups flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon crushed cardamom pods
- Rind of 1 orange
- Rind of 1 lemon
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, add 2 cups of milk to the yeast mixture. Sift in 2 cups of flour. Using a wooden spoon or electric beaters, mix until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Combine Egg Mixture: While the dough is rising, beat egg yolks and sugar together in a separate bowl until light and creamy. Once the dough has risen, stir the egg mixture into the dough with a wooden spoon.
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Add Spices and Flavorings: To the dough, add salt, crushed cardamom pods, orange and lemon rind, raisins, and almonds (if using). Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining 1 cup of milk and butter to the dough. Continue to stir in the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a stiff dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured bread board and knead it for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
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Second Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl (a Dutch oven works well) and turn it over so that the greased side is up. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Baking Containers: Grease 3 (1-pound) coffee cans and dust them with sugar to prevent sticking. If you prefer using loaf pans, grease and flour them as well.
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Shape and Rise Again: Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Fill each coffee can halfway with dough and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until the dough reaches the top of the can.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
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Cool and Frost: Allow the bread to cool slightly before removing it from the cans. If desired, make a frosting by combining confectioners’ sugar, water, and a splash of almond extract. Drizzle the frosting over the cooled loaves.
Enjoy this beautifully aromatic and rich Easter Bread with your loved ones, whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature. Its sweet, spicy flavor and delightful texture make it a perfect centerpiece for your Easter breakfast or brunch. Happy baking! 🐣🍞✨
