15+ Authentic Italian Easter Bread Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Easter is a time for celebration and indulgence, and one of the most beloved traditions is the baking of authentic Italian Easter bread. This delicious treat is a staple in many Italian households during the holiday season, and for good reason. The combination of rich, buttery dough and sweet, aromatic spices creates a bread that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful. In this article, we will explore the history of this beloved bread and share a traditional recipe for you to recreate in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Dry Yeast, Unbleached All Purpose Flour
This classic Italian Easter bread is a must-have for any Easter celebration. Made with a sweet dough and flavored with anise, this bread is topped with colorful Easter eggs, symbolizing new life and rebirth. The eggs are nestled in the dough and baked until golden brown, making for a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your Easter table.
If you're looking for a simpler version of the traditional Italian Easter bread, this recipe is for you. Made with just a few ingredients, this easy bread is perfect for those who want to celebrate the holiday without spending hours in the kitchen. The dough is flavored with vanilla and almond extract, giving it a deliciously sweet taste, and is topped with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
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Italian Easter Bread (Casatiello)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Honey, All Purpose Flour
Casatiello is a traditional Italian Easter bread from the Campania region of Italy. This savory bread is filled with chunks of salami, prosciutto, and cheese, making it a hearty and flavorful addition to any Easter feast. The dough is also flavored with black pepper and topped with eggs, symbolizing new life and rebirth.
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Chocolate Marbled Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Brown Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Unsalted
If you have a sweet tooth, this chocolate marbled Italian Easter bread is the perfect recipe for you. This bread is made with a rich chocolate dough and a vanilla dough, swirled together to create a beautiful marbled effect. Topped with colorful Easter eggs, this bread is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
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Traditional Sweet Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All
This traditional sweet Italian Easter bread is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations. Made with a sweet dough, flavored with anise and lemon zest, and studded with candied fruit, this bread is a true labor of love. The dough is braided and topped with colorful Easter eggs, making for a beautiful centerpiece for your Easter table.
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Pane Di Pasqua - Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Whole Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Large Eggs
Pane di Pasqua, or Italian Easter bread, is a staple at Easter tables throughout Italy. This recipe uses a sweet dough, flavored with anise and orange zest, and topped with colorful eggs, symbolizing new life and rebirth. The dough is also shaped into a cross, making it a perfect addition to any Easter celebration.
This recipe for Italian Easter bread, or Pane di Pasqua, is a family favorite. The dough is made with flour, eggs, and olive oil, giving it a rich and hearty flavor. Topped with colorful eggs, this bread is not only delicious but also a beautiful addition to any Easter table.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Yeast, Salt, Milk
Another delicious variation of Italian Easter bread, this recipe uses a sweet dough, flavored with anise and orange zest, and topped with colorful eggs. The dough is also shaped into a wreath, making it a festive addition to your Easter celebrations.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Flour, Rapid Rise Yeast, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Milk
This recipe for Italian Easter bread is a true labor of love. The dough is made with flour, eggs, and butter, and flavored with anise and orange zest. Topped with colorful eggs and shaped into a wreath, this bread is a beautiful addition to any Easter feast.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Bread Dough, Eggs, Boiling Water, Vinegar, Sprinkles
This Italian Easter bread is a sweet and savory delight. The dough is flavored with anise and topped with chunks of salami and cheese before being braided and baked to perfection. Topped with colorful eggs, this bread is not only delicious but also a show-stopper on your Easter table.
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Pane di Pasqua | Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Large
This recipe for Pane di Pasqua, or Italian Easter bread, is a family favorite. The dough is made with flour, eggs, and olive oil, giving it a rich and hearty flavor. Topped with colorful eggs, this bread is not only delicious but also a beautiful addition to any Easter table.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Lemon, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Whole
Another variation of Italian Easter bread, this recipe uses a sweet dough, flavored with anise and orange zest, and studded with raisins and candied fruit. Topped with colorful eggs, this bread is a delicious and festive addition to your Easter celebrations.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Dry Yeast, Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Salt
This Italian Easter bread recipe uses a sweet dough, flavored with anise and orange zest, and topped with colorful eggs. The dough is also shaped into a dove, symbolizing peace and new beginnings, making it a perfect addition to any Easter celebration.
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Pane di Pasqua (Italian Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Butter, Milk, Sugar, Eggs, Salt, All
This traditional recipe for Pane di Pasqua, or Italian Easter bread, is a family favorite. The dough is made with flour, eggs, and butter, giving it a rich and buttery flavor. Topped with colorful eggs and shaped into a wreath, this bread is a beautiful addition to any Easter feast.
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Italian Easter Bread with Colored Eggs
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Water, Instant Yeast
This recipe for Italian Easter bread puts a colorful twist on the traditional recipe. The dough is flavored with anise and studded with raisins and candied fruit, and topped with colorful eggs. The eggs are dyed with food coloring before being nestled into the dough, making for a vibrant and festive addition to your Easter table.
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Italian Easter Bread (Crescia di Pasqua)
Main Ingredients: Lukewarm Water, Honey, Dry Active Yeast, All Purpose
Crescia di Pasqua, or Italian Easter bread, is a traditional recipe from the Umbria region of Italy. This savory bread is made with flour, eggs, cheese, and prosciutto, giving it a rich and hearty flavor. Topped with colorful eggs, this bread is a must-have for any Easter celebration.
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Crescia al Formaggio aka Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Water, Milk, Yeast, Sugar, Flour, Parmigiano Reggiano
This recipe for Crescia al Formaggio, or Italian Easter bread, is a savory delight. Made with flour, eggs, cheese, and prosciutto, this bread is perfect for those who prefer a more savory option for their Easter feast. Topped with colorful eggs, this bread is not only delicious but also a show-stopper on your Easter table.
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Italian Easter Bread (Anise Flavored)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, White Sugar, Salt, Rapid Rise Yeast
This recipe for Italian Easter bread is a true family favorite. The dough is made with flour, eggs, and butter, and flavored with anise and orange zest. Topped with colorful eggs, this bread is a beautiful addition to any Easter celebration.
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Pizza Chiena, or Pizza Gain (Italian Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Sugar
Pizza Chiena, also known as Pizza Gain, is a traditional Italian Easter bread from the Campania region of Italy. This savory bread is filled with meats, cheeses, and eggs, making it a hearty and flavorful addition to your Easter feast. Topped with colorful eggs, this bread is not only delicious but also a show-stopper on your Easter table.
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Individual Italian Easter Bread Rings...Easy Step by...
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Butter, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Sea Salt
This recipe for individual Italian Easter bread rings is a fun and unique way to serve this traditional dish. The dough is flavored with anise and shaped into individual rings, making it perfect for individual portions. Topped with colorful eggs, these bread rings are a beautiful and delicious addition to your Easter celebrations.
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Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Dry Yeast, Unbleached All Purpose Flour
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Yeast, Salt, Milk
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Flour, Rapid Rise Yeast, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Milk
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Bread Dough, Eggs, Boiling Water, Vinegar, Sprinkles
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Dry Yeast, Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Salt
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Pane di Pasqua (Italian Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Butter, Milk, Sugar, Eggs, Salt, All
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Pane di Pasqua | Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Large
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Lemon, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Whole
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Italian Easter Bread with Colored Eggs
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Water, Instant Yeast
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Italian Easter Bread (Crescia di Pasqua)
Main Ingredients: Lukewarm Water, Honey, Dry Active Yeast, All Purpose
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Crescia al Formaggio aka Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Water, Milk, Yeast, Sugar, Flour, Parmigiano Reggiano
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Italian Easter Bread (Anise Flavored)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, White Sugar, Salt, Rapid Rise Yeast
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Pizza Chiena, or Pizza Gain (Italian Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Sugar
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Individual Italian Easter Bread Rings...Easy Step by...
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Butter, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Sea Salt
The History of Italian Easter Bread
The Origins
The tradition of baking bread during Easter dates back to ancient times, long before Christianity. In fact, the ancient Greeks and Romans would celebrate the arrival of spring by offering bread to their goddess of agriculture, Demeter. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, this tradition was adopted and adapted to fit the holiday of Easter.
The Significance
In Italy, Easter bread symbolizes rebirth and new life. The bread is often shaped into a wreath or braided loaf, representing the crown of thorns worn by Jesus on the cross. The addition of colored eggs nestled within the dough also has a deeper meaning. Eggs have long been associated with fertility and new beginnings, making them a fitting addition to this special bread.
The Recipe for Authentic Italian Easter Bread
Now that we understand the history and significance of this beloved bread, it's time to get into the kitchen and start baking! The following is a traditional Italian recipe that has been passed down through generations and is sure to make your Easter celebration even more special.
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk, warmed
3 eggs
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 cup candied fruit (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
6 colored eggs, dyed and uncooked
1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warmed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
If using, add in the candied fruit and raisins and knead until evenly distributed.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together, tucking in the uncooked colored eggs as you go.
Place the braided bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the top of the bread with the beaten egg wash and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
Let the bread cool before serving and enjoy!
Now that you have a taste of the history and recipe for authentic Italian Easter bread, why not start a new tradition in your own family? This bread is not only a delicious treat but also a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and traditions that make Italy so special. Buona Pasqua! (Happy Easter!)
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