Description
A refined take on classic Easter Bread, bright with citrus and tender as brioche, featuring a light orange blossom glaze and optional slivered almonds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 100–110°F
- 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, room temperature and softened
- Zest of 1 orange, finely grated
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice (for glaze)
- 1/4 tsp orange blossom water or vanilla extract (optional for glaze)
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds, lightly toasted (for topping)
- Coarse pearl sugar or sanding sugar (for topping)
- Optional: 3 dyed eggs to braid into the loaf (hard-boiled and dry)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy.
- Mix dry ingredients: whisk flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in orange zest.
- Combine and knead: add eggs and the yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then add softened butter. Knead by hand or in a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes.
- First rise: place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and proof in a warm spot until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.
- Shape: divide dough into three equal ropes and braid loosely; if using dyed eggs, nestle them into the braid.
- Second rise: let the loaf rise on a parchment-lined sheet for 30–45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Egg wash and bake: brush with a beaten egg, sprinkle with almonds and pearl sugar. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Glaze and finish: cool 10 minutes then brush with the orange glaze. Scatter additional zest for brightness.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing. Double-brush with egg wash for a glossy finish. Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg