This Easter bread is a delightful sweet bread traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. Made easily in a bread machine, it features a rich, slightly sweet dough that can be braided and topped with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
The recipe is simple and perfect for beginners, allowing you to enjoy homemade bread without the hassle of manual kneading.
Celebrating Easter with a Festive Bread
Easter is a time of joy and celebration, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a beautifully braided Easter bread loaf? This delightful sweet bread, characterized by its golden brown crust and colorful sprinkles, brings a festive touch to any holiday gathering.
Traditionally enjoyed during the Easter season, this bread not only looks stunning but also offers a soft, fluffy texture that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. The vibrant colors of the sprinkles add a cheerful element, making it a centerpiece on any table.
The Charm of Homemade Bread
Homemade bread carries a charm that store-bought options simply cannot replicate. The process of making this Easter bread in a bread machine is straightforward, allowing even beginners to create a delicious loaf without the need for extensive baking skills.
The rich, slightly sweet dough is crafted from simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. With the help of a bread machine, the mixing and kneading are taken care of, freeing you to focus on the fun part—braiding and decorating the bread!
Creating the Perfect Dough
The key to a successful Easter bread lies in the dough. Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and softened butter in the bread machine. The warmth activates the yeast, ensuring a good rise.
Once the dough cycle is complete, the fun begins. Remove the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Each piece is rolled into a long strand, which will be braided together to form the loaf. This step not only creates a beautiful shape but also enhances the texture of the bread.
Baking to Golden Perfection
After shaping the dough, it’s time for the second rise. Cover the braided loaf and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare for baking. An egg wash brushed over the risen bread gives it a lovely golden sheen, while a sprinkle of colorful toppings adds a festive flair. Bake until the loaf is golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Serving and Enjoying
Once baked, allow the bread to cool before slicing. This loaf is perfect for serving at Easter brunch or as a sweet treat throughout the holiday season. Pair it with butter or enjoy it plain to savor the delightful flavors.
Surround the bread with pastel-colored eggs and fresh spring flowers for a truly festive presentation. This Easter bread not only tastes wonderful but also creates a cheerful atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holiday.
Making Memories with Easter Bread
Baking this Easter bread is not just about the end product; it’s about the memories created along the way. Involve family members in the process, from mixing the ingredients to braiding the dough. Sharing this experience can make the holiday even more special.
As you gather around the table to enjoy this beautiful loaf, take a moment to appreciate the joy of togetherness and the simple pleasures of homemade food. This Easter bread is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Easy Bread Machine Easter Bread Recipe
This Easter bread is soft and fluffy, made with ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The bread machine handles the mixing and kneading, and it takes about 3 hours from start to finish, yielding one beautiful loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons bread machine yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Colored sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm milk into the bread machine pan. Add sugar, softened butter, eggs, bread flour, salt, and yeast in that order.
- Select Cycle: Choose the ‘Sweet Bread’ or ‘Basic’ cycle on your bread machine and start it.
- Shape the Dough: Once the cycle is complete, remove the dough from the pan and place it on a floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll each piece into a long strand.
- Braid the Dough: Braid the three strands together and shape it into a circle or loaf. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
- Let it Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Egg Wash: Beat the additional egg and brush it over the risen bread. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g