Easter Bread Recipe
Ah, Easter Bread! This delightful treat is a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Whether you prefer soft, sweet loaves or charming little buns adorned with sprinkles, this recipe will bring joy to your table. I remember how my mom would make this bread for Easter—some dough transformed into beautifully iced loaves while other portions became sweet, sprinkle-covered buns. There were even times when we’d bake the bread in coffee cans, resulting in delightful mushroom-shaped loaves that were both fun and tasty. Let’s dive into this recipe and recreate those cherished memories!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fast rising yeast
- 4 1/2 cups warm water
- 8 large eggs
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup lard
- 2 cups powdered milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 to 10 cups flour
- Sugar and sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast
Begin by mixing the yeast with the warm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise beautifully. -
Combine Ingredients
To the yeast mixture, add the softened butter and lard, followed by the powdered milk and salt. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined. -
Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step helps to fully incorporate the eggs into the mixture, contributing to the bread’s rich texture and flavor. -
Add the Flour
Gradually add about 7 cups of flour to the mixture, mixing as you go. Once the dough starts to come together, continue adding the remaining flour a little at a time. The goal is to achieve a dough that is soft and slightly sticky but easy to handle. You may not need all the flour, or you might need a bit more, depending on the humidity and other factors. -
Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a large greased pan or bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This may take longer than usual due to the richness of the dough, thanks to the eggs. Be patient, as this step is crucial for a light and fluffy bread. -
Prepare for Baking
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into portions suitable for your loaf or baking pans. Fill the pans about 1/3 to 1/2 full with the dough. If you prefer, you can also shape some of the dough into buns. -
Second Rise
Allow the dough in the pans to rise again until doubled in size. This second rise ensures that the bread will be tender and airy once baked. -
Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the bread for approximately 1 hour, or until the loaves or buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning. -
Cool and Decorate
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before icing. For a festive touch, you can ice the bread and sprinkle with your choice of colorful cake decorations. If you’ve made buns, feel free to ice and sprinkle them as well. -
Enjoy
Slice the loaves and enjoy them toasted for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your favorite tea or coffee. The buns make a perfect snack or dessert on their own, especially with a cup of milk.
Yield
This recipe yields approximately 6 loaves of Easter Bread. However, depending on the size of your pans and the portions you divide, you may end up with a different number of loaves and buns.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1446.2
- Fat Content: 56.1 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 26.9 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 373.4 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 1470.7 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 202.8 grams
- Fiber Content: 5.8 grams
- Sugar Content: 73.7 grams
- Protein Content: 32.3 grams
Enjoy making this Easter Bread, and let it bring a taste of tradition and joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it on your own, it’s sure to be a hit! 🌟🥐🍞🎉
