Description
A traditional Easter bread recipe that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. This sweet, enriched dough creates a beautifully braided loaf that’s both decorative and delicious.
Ingredients
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Mahlab spice (optional)
- Salt
- Optional add-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruits, or cinnamon sugar)
Instructions
- Activate yeast in warm milk
- Mix dry ingredients
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form dough
- First rise until doubled
- Shape into braided loaf
- Second rise
- Bake until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F
Notes
- Make ahead option: Prepare dough through first rise, refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping.
- Mahlab substitute: Use combination of almond extract and pinch of cinnamon.
- Dairy-free option: Use almond/oat milk and coconut oil/vegan butter.
- For proper rising: Ensure fresh yeast and warm environment (75-80°F).
- Check doneness: Bread should sound hollow when tapped and reach 190°F internally.
- Optional fillings can be added during shaping phase.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Easter
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Easter bread, holiday bread, braided bread, sweet bread, traditional bread
