Anise Easter Bread (Bread Machine Loaf)
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Description
This delightful Anise Easter Bread recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. The recipe has been carefully adjusted to yield a beautifully risen loaf with a soft, slightly sweet interior. Whether you use the bread machine or mix it by hand with a stand mixer, this bread will fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma of vanilla and anise. Once baked to golden perfection, the loaf is glazed with a luscious confectioner’s sugar frosting and sprinkled with toasted almonds or festive sprinkles to add that extra touch of holiday cheer.
Recipe Category: Breads
Keywords: European, Christmas, Bread Machine, For Large Groups, Small Appliance, Less Than 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk (lukewarm) | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs (large, room temperature) | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter (softened) | 1/3 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 3 1/2 cups |
| Gluten (optional, for better rise) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Active dry yeast | 2 teaspoons |
| Anise seed (optional, for flavor) | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 14 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 214.7 kcal |
| Fat | 8.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 63.9 mg |
| Sodium | 229.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 5.6 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
Instructions
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the Bread Machine | Place the ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine’s manufacturer. Typically, liquids go in first, followed by the dry ingredients, with the yeast added last to avoid premature activation. Make sure to add the butter in small chunks, and distribute it evenly over the dry ingredients for even mixing. |
| 2. Select the Setting | Use the “sweet bread” setting on your bread machine, and select a light crust option for a soft, golden finish. This ensures the bread remains tender and lightly caramelized on the outside without becoming too hard. |
| 3. Monitor the Dough | As the dough mixes, keep an eye on its consistency. You’re looking for a smooth, slightly tacky ball of dough. If it appears too wet or sloppy, add a teaspoon of flour at a time. If it feels too dry or stiff, add a teaspoon of milk gradually until you achieve the right texture. A properly hydrated dough is essential for a soft, airy loaf. |
| 4. Let the Machine Do the Work | Once you’ve adjusted the dough (if necessary), allow the bread machine to complete the mixing, kneading, and rising processes. The dough will go through its first rise in the machine, creating that soft, pillowy texture associated with this traditional holiday bread. |
| 5. Bake the Bread | Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the machine and immediately transfer it to a wire rack. This allows the bread to cool evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy on the bottom from residual heat trapped inside the machine. |
| 6. Cool the Bread Completely | Allow the bread to cool thoroughly before slicing into it. Using a serrated bread knife will give you the cleanest cuts without squishing the soft interior. If you prefer, you can store the loaf at room temperature for later enjoyment, but make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly to maintain its freshness. |
| 7. Optional: Braid and Bake in the Oven (Manual method, using dough cycle or stand mixer) | If you prefer to shape the bread manually, select the dough cycle on your bread machine or mix the dough with a stand mixer. After the first rise, form the dough into a loose braid and let it rest for 45-60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then brush the dough with melted butter and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. |
| 8. Glaze the Loaf | For a festive touch, mix confectioners’ sugar with a little heavy cream to create a thick glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled loaf, then sprinkle toasted almonds or colored sprinkles on top to add texture and visual appeal. This step adds sweetness and makes the loaf perfect for holiday celebrations, be it Christmas, Easter, or other special occasions. |
Enjoy your beautifully golden, sweet, and tender Anise Easter Bread! It’s perfect as a holiday centerpiece, and its lovely flavor pairs well with coffee or tea. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with the glaze and sprinkles, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
