why make this recipe
This bread is a soft, sweet, and braided loaf that looks nice on the table. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. It makes a showy main bread for a holiday meal and still feels homey and easy. It also goes well with small sweets like black bean brownies sweetened with dates for a varied dessert spread.
introduction
Italian Sweet Glazed Easter Bread is a classic braided bread with a light sugar glaze. It smells of vanilla and almond and has a soft crumb. You can make it for holidays or a weekend treat. If you like easy sweet breads, try this banana bread with pancake mix for another simple bake idea.
how to make Italian Sweet Glazed Easter Bread
Follow the steps below. The dough is mixed, kneaded, left to rise, braided, baked, and then glazed.
For a swap of sweeteners or a different glaze idea, you can look at recipes like date-sweetened brownies to get ideas for less refined sugar in treats.
Ingredients :
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together milk, butter, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and braid it, then place it on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.
how to serve Italian Sweet Glazed Easter Bread
Slice the bread after it cools a little so the glaze sets. Serve with coffee or tea. For a full dessert table, pair it with a simple cake or cookie idea like the cookie cake wedding cake for variety. You can also serve it with fruit and soft cheeses.
how to store Italian Sweet Glazed Easter Bread
Let the bread cool completely before storing. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. For pairing notes on sides like sweet potatoes or fish, see can we eat sweet potatoes and fish together.
tips to make Italian Sweet Glazed Easter Bread
- Use warm (not hot) milk so the yeast stays active.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it. Too much flour makes the bread dense.
- Knead until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Cool fully before glazing so the glaze does not melt away.
variation (if any)
- Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the dough for a bright flavor.
- Mix in raisins or dried fruit before the first rise.
- Replace part of the milk with orange juice for a fruity hint.
- Use a simple egg wash before baking for a shinier crust instead of glazing.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough the night before?
A: Yes. After the first rise, punch down, cover well, and refrigerate. Shape and braid in the morning, then let rise and bake.
Q: Can I skip the almond extract?
A: Yes. It adds a light flavor but the bread is fine with only vanilla.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
A: The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer should read about 190°F (88°C) in the center.
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. If you use instant yeast, you can mix it with the dry ingredients directly and skip proofing in warm water.
Q: Can I freeze the whole loaf?
A: You can freeze the whole loaf wrapped well. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in a low oven if you like warm bread.
Italian Sweet Glazed Easter Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together milk, butter, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and braid it, then place it on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.