Easter is a time for gathering with family and friends, and one of the most beloved traditions for many is the baking of Easter bread. This delicious and symbolic treat is a staple on many Easter tables and comes in a variety of flavors and styles. Whether you are looking to recreate a family recipe or try something new, we have compiled a list of the best Easter bread recipes for you to try this holiday season.
Easter is a time for celebration and feasting, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm and delicious loaf of homemade Easter bread? This time-honored tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, with each culture adding their own unique twist. From sweet to savory, there's a Easter bread recipe to satisfy every palate. So grab your apron and get ready to bake up a storm with these top 14 Easter bread recipes.
No Easter celebration is complete without a loaf of Italian Easter bread, also known as "Pane di Pasqua." This sweet bread is loaded with eggs, symbolizing new life, and is typically braided and topped with colorful sprinkles. The dough is enriched with honey and orange zest for a subtle sweetness and citrus flavor. Serve this bread as a centerpiece on your Easter table or enjoy it as a delicious breakfast treat.
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Greek Tsoureki Recipe for Easter Bread
In Greece, Easter is a time for family gatherings and indulging in delicious food, including "Tsoureki." This braided bread is rich and buttery, with a touch of vanilla and mahlepi (a spice made from the ground seeds of a Mediterranean cherry tree). The dough is also infused with orange blossom water, giving it a delicate floral aroma. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a truly authentic experience.
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Polish Babka Easter Bread
In Poland, Easter is synonymous with "Babka," a traditional sweet bread made with yeast, eggs, and raisins. The dough is enriched with orange zest and almond extract for a burst of flavor. The bread is typically baked in tall, cylindrical pans, giving it its distinctive shape. Enjoy a slice of Babka with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon treat.
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Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter Bread
Hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat enjoyed all over the world. These spiced buns are studded with dried fruit, such as currants and candied citrus peel, and topped with a cross made of icing. The dough is also flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, giving them a warm and comforting aroma. These buns are perfect for breakfast on Easter morning or as a snack throughout the day.
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Ukrainian Paska Recipe for Easter Bread
In Ukraine, Easter is celebrated with "Paska," a rich and indulgent bread made with eggs, butter, and honey. The dough is also flavored with vanilla and rum, giving it a deliciously sweet and boozy kick. Paska is typically baked in a round pan and decorated with intricate designs before being served at the Easter table. It's a staple in every Ukrainian household during this festive time of year.
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Russian Kulich Recipe for Easter Bread
In Russia, Easter is celebrated with "Kulich," a tall and cylindrical bread that's similar to Italian panettone. This fragrant bread is made with egg yolks, butter, and almond extract, and is studded with raisins and candied citrus peel. The top of the bread is usually adorned with a cross made of icing and sprinkled with almonds for a beautiful presentation.
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German Osterbrot Recipe for Easter Bread
In Germany, Easter is celebrated with "Osterbrot," a soft and slightly sweet bread that's perfect for snacking on throughout the day. The dough is made with yeast, eggs, and milk, and is flavored with lemon zest and cardamom. The bread is typically shaped into a wreath and decorated with colored eggs for a festive touch. It's a delicious addition to any Easter feast.
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Swedish Påskbröd Recipe for Easter Bread
In Sweden, Easter is celebrated with "Påskbröd," a fragrant and flavorful bread made with eggs, butter, and cardamom. The dough is also studded with almonds and saffron, giving it a beautiful golden color and a unique taste. Påskbröd is typically served with honey or jam, and is a beloved tradition in Swedish households during Easter.
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Croatian Pinca Recipe for Easter Bread
Croatians celebrate Easter with "Pinca," a sweet and fragrant bread made with eggs, butter, and rum. The dough is also flavored with lemon zest and vanilla, and is studded with raisins and candied citrus peel. Pinca is typically baked in a round or oval shape and is traditionally served with ham and colored eggs on Easter morning.
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Mexican Pan de Pascua Recipe for Easter Bread
In Mexico, Easter is celebrated with "Pan de Pascua," a sweet and spiced bread that's similar to hot cross buns. The dough is enriched with honey and butter, and is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The bread is typically topped with a cross made of icing and is enjoyed as a breakfast treat or as a dessert after a delicious Easter meal.
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Portuguese Folar de Pascoa Recipe for Easter Bread
In Portugal, Easter is celebrated with "Folar de Pascoa," a rich and sweet bread made with eggs, olive oil, and orange zest. The dough is also studded with ham, chorizo, and cheese, giving it a savory twist. Folar de Pascoa is typically served as a starter before the main Easter meal, and is a beloved tradition in Portuguese households.
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Lebanese Ma'amoul Recipe for Easter Bread
In Lebanon, Easter is celebrated with "Ma'amoul," a small and delicate bread that's filled with dates or walnuts. The dough is made with semolina flour and clarified butter, giving it a crumbly and buttery texture. Ma'amoul is typically shaped into intricate designs and is served with a cup of coffee or tea. It's a popular treat during the Easter season.
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American Easter Bunny Bread Recipe
Last but certainly not least, we have the American Easter bunny bread, a fun and festive twist on traditional Easter bread. This bread is shaped into a cute and fluffy bunny, complete with raisin eyes and a carrot nose. The dough is enriched with honey and butter, giving it a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory toppings. This bread is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Traditional Easter Bread
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup candied fruit
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sliced almonds
This traditional Easter bread recipe is a must-try for any holiday celebration. The combination of warm spices, raisins, and candied fruit makes for a flavorful and festive loaf. To start, mix together the flour, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and warm water. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let the dough rise for about an hour, until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and add in the salt, eggs, raisins, candied fruit, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Knead the dough again for a few minutes until all of the ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make a cross on the top of the loaf, then sprinkle the sliced almonds on top. Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving. This traditional Easter bread is a perfect addition to any holiday meal and will impress your guests with its delicious flavors.
Italian Easter Bread
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup warm water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup candied cherries
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For a unique twist on traditional Easter bread, try this Italian version that incorporates flavors of orange and almond. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, melted butter, warm water, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, heat the milk and orange juice until warm. Slowly add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise for about an hour.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and add in the almonds, cherries, raisins, and almond extract. Knead the dough again for a few minutes until all of the ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving. This Italian Easter bread is a delicious and unique addition to your holiday table.
In conclusion, Easter bread is a delicious and symbolic treat that can be enjoyed in many different flavors and styles. Whether you choose to make a traditional loaf or try something new, these Easter bread recipes are sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season. Happy baking!
