Easter Egg Bread
Ingredients
- ¾ cwarm milk
- ¼ ozactive dry yeast
1 packet
- ½ cunsalted butter
softened
- ⅓ cgranulated sugar
- 2 largeeggs
beaten
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 1 tsporange blossom water
- 1 tspkosher salt
- 4 ¼ call-purpose flour
you may need as much as to 4 1/2 cups
- 4dyed eggs
recipe follows
- egg wash
one large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tbspsesame seeds
- 1 ⅓ cboiling water
- 4 tspdistilled white vinegar
- 1drop each of Rose Pink
Violet, Royal Blue, and Grass Green gel paste food coloring
- 4 largeeggs
uncooked
Directions
To make the easter egg bread:
- 1
Place the warm milk in a large mixing bowl, and stir in the yeast. Allow it to prove until foamy (about 10 minutes).
- 2
Stir in the softened butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, orange blossom water, and salt.
- 3
Stir in the flour, a half cup at a time, until the dough forms a ball and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
- 4
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (5 to 10 minutes).
- 5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow it to prove until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- 6
Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal balls.
- 7
Divide each ball in half and roll each half into a rope about 10 inches long.
- 8
Pinch 2 ropes together at one end, and twist them together. Pinch the other end together and bring the twist around into a circle shape.
- 9
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and nestle a dyed egg in the center.
- 10
Repeat with the remaining dough balls and eggs.
- 11
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 30 minutes.
- 12
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and lightly brush the loaves with egg wash, taking care to avoid the eggs.
- 13
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
To make the dyed eggs:
- 1
Divide the boiling water equally between 4 small bowls.
- 2
Place 1 teaspoon of vinegar in each bowl.
- 3
Place 1 drop of gel paste food coloring in each bowl, and stir to dissolve.
- 4
Place 1 uncooked egg in each bowl, turning to coat evenly with dye.
- 5
Allow the eggs to sit in the dye until desired color is reached, then remove and drain on a wire rack.
Easter Egg Bread
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About this Recipe
Celebrate Spring with Beautiful Easter Egg Bread
Step into the festive spirit of spring with our charming Easter Egg Bread! This isn't just any ordinary loaf; it's a delightful culinary tradition, a soft, golden, and buttery-sweet bread that's as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Perfect for your Easter breakfast or brunch spread, each portion boasts a gorgeous, pastel-colored egg baked right into its fluffy center, making it a true showstopper.
Our Easter Egg Bread recipe creates a wonderfully moist and tender crumb, enriched with butter and a hint of vanilla. The secret to its unique aroma lies in a touch of fragrant orange blossom water, which infuses the bread with a subtle, delicate citrus note—a true taste of spring! If you don't have orange blossom water, a little orange zest makes for a fantastic substitute.
Making this festive sweet bread is a joyful experience. The process of dyeing the eggs a vibrant array of colors adds to the anticipation, transforming simple ingredients into a work of art. Once baked, the golden crust, often adorned with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, encases the tender interior and the surprise of a perfectly cooked, beautifully colored egg.
Tips for Your Best Easter Egg Bread:
- Don't Rush the Rise: Allow your dough ample time to rise in a warm place. This is crucial for that characteristic soft and airy texture.
- Get Creative with Eggs: Experiment with different food coloring shades for your uncooked eggs before baking. Bright pinks, blues, and greens truly pop against the golden bread.
- Flavor Variations: While orange blossom water is traditional, feel free to swap it for lemon zest, almond extract, or even a touch of cardamom for a different aromatic profile.
Serve slices of this homemade Easter Egg Bread warm, perhaps with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of jam. It's an unforgettable way to brighten your holiday table and share a taste of tradition with loved ones.