5 Delicious Easter Bread Recipes You'll Love

Easter is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delectable food. One tradition that resonates deeply with many cultures is the baking of special Easter breads. These breads come in various shapes, flavors, and with unique decorations, symbolizing spring, renewal, and the Easter story itself. Whether you are celebrating Easter or just love the act of baking, these five delicious Easter bread recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and become a highlight of your festive table.

1. Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)

Italian Easter Bread, known as Pane di Pasqua, is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Here’s how you can make this beautiful bread:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs plus 2 dyed eggs
  • 1 teaspoon anise seeds (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Warm the milk slightly, dissolve yeast in it, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and anise seeds in a large bowl.
  3. Beat eggs and add them to the flour mixture along with the milk-yeast mix.
  4. Add softened butter and knead until the dough is smooth.
  5. Let the dough rise for about 2 hours.
  6. Divide the dough into 6 parts, roll into ropes, and braid three together, tucking in dyed eggs.
  7. Let rise again for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

💡 Note: Anise seeds add a traditional touch, but they can be omitted or replaced with other flavors like lemon zest.

2. Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns are synonymous with Easter, especially in English-speaking countries. Here is a simple recipe to bake these spiced, fruited buns:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (like currants or raisins)
  • 1 package yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup icing sugar mixed with a little water for the cross
• Instructions:
  1. Heat the milk slightly, dissolve yeast, add sugar, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix flour with spices, add milk mixture, butter, egg, and knead until the dough forms.
  3. Work in the dried fruit, knead the dough until elastic, then let it rise for 1 hour.
  4. Shape into buns, place on a baking tray, and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
  5. Make a cross on each bun with the icing sugar mixture before baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

3. Greek Tsoureki

This Greek Easter bread, known as Tsoureki, is sweet and aromatic, often braided with red-dyed eggs:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon mahleb (or ground cardamom as a substitute)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 3 eggs plus 1 for glazing
  • Sesame seeds for decoration
  • 3 red-dyed hard-boiled eggs
• Instructions:
  1. Warm milk, dissolve yeast, and let sit until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and mahleb.
  3. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, orange juice, and 3 eggs. Knead until smooth.
  4. Let dough rise for 2 hours, punch down, and divide into 3 parts, braid, and tuck in dyed eggs.
  5. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes.

4. Auliette Lu Cuccu

From Puglia, Italy, comes this unique twist on Easter treats, Auliette Lu Cuccu, which means "Biscuits of the Cuckoo":

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon anise extract
• Instructions:
  1. Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
  2. Add the egg, milk, vanilla, and anise extract.
  3. Combine flour with baking powder and incorporate into the wet mixture.
  4. Shape the dough into small, bird-like figures or other Easter shapes.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

5. Ukrainian Easter Paska

The traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, Paska, is rich, doughy, and beautifully decorated:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 packages active dry yeast
  • 5 eggs, beaten, plus 1 for glazing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Raisins, candied fruits, and nuts for decoration
• Instructions:
  1. Warm milk, add sugar, butter, and salt. Let it cool until lukewarm.
  2. Stir in yeast and let it foam, then add eggs and vanilla.
  3. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth.
  4. Let rise until doubled, shape into a round loaf, decorate with dough roses and fruit, glaze with egg wash.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the crust is golden brown.

🌟 Note: These recipes can be customized with different fruits, nuts, or even a glaze of your choosing, making your Easter bread truly unique.

Easter is a perfect time to gather around the table and share food, stories, and joy. These Easter bread recipes not only bring the flavors of tradition but also the warmth of love and community. They can be enjoyed as is or can complement your Easter meal, becoming a centerpiece of your celebration. Each bread has its unique story and meaning, from the cross on the Hot Cross Buns symbolizing the crucifixion to the braided Tsoureki representing life’s continuity. No matter which recipe you choose, you’re bound to create delicious memories.

Can I make these Easter breads ahead of time?

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Yes, many of these Easter breads can be made a day or two in advance. They actually improve in flavor when allowed to sit, developing a deeper taste. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze Easter bread?

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Most of these recipes can be frozen. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in a low oven to maintain its texture.

What if I don’t have all the ingredients for these recipes?

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Baking is an art that allows for creativity. If you lack some ingredients, you can often substitute with what you have on hand. For example, use lemon or orange zest instead of anise, or replace raisins with dried cherries or cranberries. Adjust spices or use extracts to maintain flavor.