Braided Easter Bread

A bird's eye view of the bread ring, which has been sliced.

Braided Easter Bread

This beautiful braided bread loaf is a little bit sweet and beautifully decorated with colorful eggs for a festive twist.

Prep Time1 30

Cook Time30

Resting Time1 5

Total Time3 5

Course: bread, breakfast

Cuisine: american

Keyword: braided easter bread recipe, braided easter egg bread, bread, easter braided bread, easter bread, easter bread recipe, easter bread recipes, easter sweet bread, easy easter bread, recipe for easter bread, sweet braided easter bread recipe, sweet easter bread

Servings:

Calories: 4125kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Bread Dough

½ cup granulated sugar
5 1/2 tsp dry active yeast
1 tsp salt
6 - 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
6 tbsp unsalted butter
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Eggs

5 hard boiled eggs unpeeled
food coloring
canola oil

Pre-Baking Glaze

1 large egg
2 tbsp water

Instructions

Place the sugar, yeast, salt and 2 cups of flour in the bowl of an electric mixer. Set aside.
Pour the milk and butter into a small pot and heat to 120F-130F. Pour this into the dry mixture and beat with the electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add 3 eggs and vanilla extract and beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Gradually add enough of the remaining flour until the dough is soft and still sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, then rotate the dough in the bowl so that it is greased on all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
While you are waiting for the dough to rise, dye the hard boiled eggs with the food coloring. See my tutorial (link in recipe notes) for how to perfectly dye eggs! Allow the eggs to dry completely.
Punch down the dough, then transfer to a floured surface. Divide into 3 portions and roll each portion into a 24 inch-long rope. Place the ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid. Bring the ends together to form a ring and pinch the edges together to seal. Brush the hard boiled eggs with canola oil, then stick into the braid, tucking them between the ropes.
Cover the bread with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375F.
Combine the remaining 1 egg and water in a bowl and whisk together. Brush this onto the surface of the dough, avoiding the eggs. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!

Video

Notes

How to Perfectly Dye Easter Eggs

See my tutorial here: https://www.pankobunny.com/recipes/dye-and-decorate-easter-eggs/

Storage Directions

At room temperature - Put any leftover sweet Easter bread in an airtight container. Remove the eggs and place them in the refrigerator. It will keep for 2-3 days.

In the freezer: If you want to freeze the bread for later enjoyment, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Enjoy the eggs right away or store them in the refrigerator for up to two days.

How to reheat: To enjoy the bread warm, simply pop a slice in the toaster or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through. It will taste just as delicious as when freshly baked!

Nutrition