Easter is a time of celebration and joy, and what better way to bring that joy into the kitchen than baking a delicious Easter Bread? This festive treat is surprisingly easy to make, and even easier to love! Its sweet, delicious flavor, and luscious doughy texture, is sure to be a hit with family and friends this Easter season.
Whether you like to keep it simple with a classic topping of sugar icing, or like to get creative with a sprinkle of coconut and dyed Easter eggs, Easter Bread is a treat the entire family will love. Paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, it’s the perfect way to start your Easter Sunday morning. It pairs especially well with honey or jam, and can be served with a variety of sweet or savory accompaniments, such as eggs, honeycomb, or cream cheese.
Also known as Paska, Tsoureki, or Challah, Easter Bread is a traditional sweet bread made with eggs and butter, and flavored with honey, sugar, and milk. Spices like cardamom, mahlab, and anise are also sometimes added into the batter. It's typically braided and then topped with colorful sprinkles, creating a beautiful and festive presentation. The combination of flavors is thoroughly unique, as its doughy texture and crisp crust.
So, if you're looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Easter this year, why not give Easter Bread a try? If you're ready to take your Easter celebrations to the next level with a delicious and beautiful Easter Bread, then keep reading! Below, I’ll provide you with an ingredient checklist, tips for making the best Easter Bread possible, and suggestions for pairings as well as a few key ways to make this recipe your own.
Now, let’s get baking.
Ingredient Checklist
- All-Purpose Flour. Stick to all purpose for this recipe. Bread flour will result in a heavy, dense loaf, whereas baking flour will result in a loaf that is simply too light and fragile. As a rule, always use All-Purpose Flour unless a recipe specifically says otherwise.
- Whole Wheat Flour. For added texture and color.
- Sugar. Granulated sugar is what you’ll need for today’s bread.
- Eggs. A key ingredient. Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the dough together and give the bread structure. They also add moisture, richness, and flavor to the finished product via the addition of fat. They also serve as a leavener, helping the dough to rise and giving the bread a light, fluffy texture.
- Butter. Plain, unsalted butter, melted and then chilled.
- Honey. Use your favorite honey for this particular recipe. The honey forms a large part of the flavor profile, so you’ll want to be sure that you use a honey you enjoy.
- Dry Yeast. We’ll be proofing the yeast in milk with sugar. The yeast helps the dough rise, resulting in a fluffy, light bread.
- Milk. Stick to whole fat milk for this recipe, as we want the added texture, flavor, and moisture provided by the fat.
- Sprinkles. For garnish.
Tips for Making Easter Bread
- Proof the Yeast in Milk. Proofing yeast in milk helps to activate the yeast, allowing it to produce carbon dioxide. This will help the dough to rise and give the bread a light, fluffy texture. Milk also adds richness and flavor to the finished product. When making Easter bread, proofing the yeast in warm milk will help to create a delicious and tender loaf.
- Room Temperature Eggs & Butter. Using room temperature eggs and butter helps to ensure that the dough is evenly mixed. Cold eggs and butter can cause the dough to harden, resulting in an uneven texture. Room temperature eggs will also help the dough to rise properly, resulting in a light and fluffy finished product.
- Kneading. You only want to knead the dough until it is soft and pliable, and no longer. Kneading any longer introduces excess air into the dough, resulting in a hard loaf.
- Rising Location. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. Allowing the dough to rise in a warm location helps to activate the yeast, allowing it to produce carbon dioxide. This will help the dough to rise and give the bread a light, fluffy texture. It is important to choose a warm, but not hot, location for the dough to rise in order to achieve the best results.
- Grease. You’ll want grease the baking pan with butter or oil before adding the dough.
- Gloss. Before baking, brush the top of the dough with an egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Cool. Allow the Easter bread to cool before slicing and serving.
Serving Ideas for Easter Bread
- Back to Basics. I suggest serving Easter bread with butter, honey, cream cheese, and jam for best results, possibly with a side of eggs.
- French Toast. Using Easter Bread as the ‘toast’ in French Toast is simply delicious, and one of my favorite uses for leftover Easter Bread.
- Sweet Savory. To get creative, consider serving Easter Bread as part of a charcuterie board with cheese, olives, and cured meats. The sweetness of the bread will contrast beautifully with the savory and salty elements of the charcuterie board.
- Dessert. For a sweeter option, serve Easter bread as a dessert topped with ice cream and fruit compote.
- Breakfast Bread. Toast the Easter Bread with butter, and top with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast.
Easter Bread
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 Easter breads 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups AP flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water whisked together)
- Sprinkles for topping
- Colored eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by proofing your yeast. In a small saucepan, heat milk just until warm to the touch. Transfer to a glass then add your yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Set aside and let the yeast froth.
- In the bowl of your mix master with the hook attachment, combine flours, remaining tablespoons of sugar, and salt. Once your yeast has proofed, add to the flour mixture along with butter, eggs, and honey.
- Mix the dough on medium-low speed until a soft dough comes together. Cover the dough and let rest in a warm place for at least 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and lightly knead into a smooth ball. Divide the dough ball in half, then in quarters.
- Working with one of the quarters, divide them in half and 'rope' both halves until about 12" long. twist the ropes together, then make a wreath with them by pinching the edges. Place each wreath on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process for the rest of the quarters.
- Cover the Easter breads and let rise once again in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Brush the Easter breads with an egg wash, then top with colored sprinkles. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the breads are golden.
- If you choose to serve these breads with colored eggs, be sure to let them cool to room temp before place the colored eggs in the center of the hole.
- Serve and enjoy! These bread will keep for up to 1 week.
Notes
Prep Time does NOT include Inactive Prep Time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
And that’s our Easter Bread! I hope you enjoyed today’s recipe as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you! Also, if you have any questions or suggestions for this or future content, let me know in the comments, below, I love hearing from you.
As always, if you enjoyed today’s recipe, remember to like, share, and subscribe, it helps more than you can know! Happy Baking!
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Stacie says
Mmm-MMMM! I can't wait to make this. I love that hint of sweet, and the braided rings just look so darn cute. This is great!
Catherine says
I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try. They are pretty and festive for the holiday too.
Gloria Roa Baker says
what lovely and perfect Easter bread! so beautiful Catherine!
angiesrecipes says
Beautiful and delicious! Happy Spring, Catherine!
Julianne Robinson says
Not only do these look and sound DELICIOUS, they are absolutely adorable and perfect for Easter!
Catherine says
Thank you. They do brighten up the Easter table.
Cristina Petrini says
It's one of my favorite recipes for Easter, I don't know how to cook it, but I love eating it!
Catherine says
It is not difficult if you decide to give it a try. I love eating this bread too. Thank you for visiting.
Raluca says
Always admired Easter bread but I never got around to actually making one, I always thought it's difficult to do so! Thanks for sharing your recipe, I'm now considering making one for the first time 😉
Catherine says
it is not difficult if you decide to give it a try. I do hope you enjoy it.
Joanna says
I think it's a nice tradition to have an Easter Bread. I am European but I didn't hear about this tradition, we didn't have it in my family. We did however have other Easter traditional foods.
Catherine says
I do enjoy learning all the different traditions for the holidays. Thank you for visiting.
Brianne Tursi Manz says
I have never seen anything like this before! The presentation is flawless, and they look so delicious! My family will love these.
Catherine says
Thank you. I hope you and your family enjoy it if you do give it a try.
DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, Lovely Easter bread! When we lived in Chicago, some of the local bakeries offered similar items. Our favorite Easter confection isn't a confection...but instead a satisfying Easter meal. It was an Italian pie like creation with eggs, sausage, cheese and seasoning in a nice flaky pie crust. I can't remember what it was called but we'd always buy 2 of them and spread out the enjoyment... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Catherine says
I love Pizza Giana too. This bread I think you would enjoy as well.
Emmy says
Oh wow, I've never heard of Easter bread but it sounds like such a lovely tradition. I wonder if this is more of an East Coast thing? I grew up in California and have never seen bakeries make these. Easter was usually mass then brunch! I would like to incorporate this into our tradition though, I'll give this recipe a try.
Catherine says
I don't know if it is only a East coast tradition but the bakeries were always filled with these pies. Unfortunately, there really are not that many bakeries around as there were in the past.
Yeah Lifestyle says
This Easter bread looks so delicious! I might have to make this for Easter morning.
Catherine says
I hope you enjoy it if you do.
Heather says
This looks like such an awesome recipe! This is on my radar for Easter morning!
Catherine says
I hope you enjoy it.
Joyce says
What a creative idea! I like it. One thing is I don't know how to bake although I do own an electric oven it's a gift from my hubs and I've never touched it ever since I had it. Maybe I should go explore and give this one a try. Thank You for sharing your creative baking idea!
Catherine says
I hope you enjoy it is you do.
Romeo says
This looks nice and simple to put together but so delicious! Perfect for an Easter treat!
Becca Wilson says
This bread looks like it would be so fun to make. My kids would really enjoy doing something like this!
Catherine says
I hope you like it. I think the kids would very much enjoy it.
Amanda Rosson says
I've never heard of Easter Bread before actually but now I definitely want to make my own! It does sound like it'll be a bit tricky but I've never been one to turn down a challenge!
Catherine says
It really is not difficult. I am sure you will live up to the challenge. I hope you like it.
Kiwi says
Absolutely adorable. Too cute for Easter festivtites for the sunday dinner!
Catherine says
Thank you.
Kalyan Panja says
The bread and the recipe looks splendid. The awesome photos make it all the more inviting.
Catherine says
Thank you.
Kami | Life with Kami says
Looks good and delicious. A topping of sprinkles makes this looks cheery ideal for Easter.
Catherine says
Thank you.
Dan from Platter Talk says
My mom always made Easter bread this time of the year and this post brings back such great memories of Easter on the farm. I. have yet to make this holiday treat but your recipe and directions make it look very doable; thanks for the inspiration!
Catherine says
I hope you will enjoy it. Sharing memories and making memories is such a gift.
Veena Azmanov says
Amazing idea to making this Easter special. Have to surely try your recipe which looks so interesting.
Heather Perine says
I love making Easter bread...love that this is made with whole wheat flour! Gorgeous with sprinkles too 🙂 this is a great showstopper for an Easter table.
Linda says
Oh wow, these Easter bread look so pretty! And those braids look so fun to make. Pinning this recipe so I can make this bread asap.
Jenni LeBaron says
I love that these are slightly sweet but not overly so. They are the perfect brunch bread for any Easter celebration!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Those braids are beautifully done and the perfect golden brown! I love the addition of wheat flour too to your recipes! They sound delicious with just a hint of sweetness!
Sharon says
What a wonderful treat for Easter! I love that this recipe looks easy and another great way to use dyed eggs.
Aleta says
Oooo so pretty! I love your helpful video showing how to braid your beautiful bread. This is going to be so much fun to make with my girls!
kallee says
I saw something like this years ago and I thought it looked like such a fun tradition. It looks so elegant.
lauren says
When I think of Easter, this is the first thing I think of! The colorful eggs and beautiful braided dough! You've done a wonderful job with the details for this recipe, my family is definitely going to enjoy it.
Jacquelyn Hastert says
I made this yesterday and it was fantastic! I can't wait to make it again and again.
Deseree says
Can't beat an easy and delicious bread like this! I love braided bread!
Sara says
What a wonderful treat for Easter! These would be memorable and delicious and beautiful to display on the table too!
Gloria says
With Easter just around the corner, I am looking for some great recipes. It will be a different celebration this year for sure.....like NOT having people over. I still want to make something special for hubby and I. I can also make and drop stuff off for my daughter and her family.
Sharon says
This Easter Bread is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday. They are surprisingly easy to make too.
Heidy says
I love Easter Bread. My best friend's mom who is Greek used to make one and it was awesome! I am really looking forward to trying this recipe. I loved reading all the history as well. I will stop back and let you know how it turned out when I make it.
PS those images are wonderful too!!!
Denise says
This brings back memories! My Gram used to make this for Easter. What a beautiful and delicious bread!
Amy Liu Dong says
Wow, that is a lovely and pretty Easter bread, I will share this recipe with my sister and will ask her to make this for everyone.
Marisa F. Stewart says
Loved the story -- yep there are a lot of strangers there at Easter. I make the same Easter bread my mamma did as well as the traditional Pinza. Your Easter breads turned out so pretty - a welcome treat after Mass.
Kari | Chef and Steward says
This looks like such a fun baking project with my little one, especially with the colorful egg in the middle! I really loved reading about the history of Easter bread. In my Jamaican tradition we have an Easter Bun, and you make me want to bake that too this year.
Paige says
This looks so pretty! And not difficult to make either...looks wonderful 🙂
Jo says
That's a gorgeous looking bread! I love baking bread and I am definitely going to try this soon.
Bernice says
This is such a fascinating post. Your beautiful bread photos drew me in and I loved learning about the different varieties of Easter bread. Sadly, this is something my Canadian German family did not bake during the holidays and I was always a bit jealous of those that did.
I'm going to give it a try this year!
Marta says
I baked this Easter bread as a trial run for our upcoming Easter gathering and loved how easy the recipe was to follow. I had great success and beautiful loaves thanks to your instructions.
Liz says
I have never tried Easter bread before! Christmas bread is a tradition in our house. I saved this recipe to give a try this year!
Tristin says
This Easter bread came out beautifully! It had the perfect amount of sweetness without being overly sweet.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Oh, wonderful! Your Easter bread looks amazing and takes me back to when my Italian mom made it for the holiday! Like your family, we'd never buy Easter bread! 🙂 Love this!
Kathryn says
This was one of my favorite Easter treats growing up! I love this recipe and can't wait to make these again next week. I know everyone will love them!
Dennis says
I've been making your Easter bread for years and wanted to thank you for such a delicious and easy to make recipe. My family loves it!
Marie says
These Easter wreaths are so cute! Loved the colorful sprinkles, the pastel tones are just perfect for spring. The breads look super tender, they will be the perfect addition to my family's Easter weekend brunch table.
Kayla DiMaggio says
This easter bread was amazing! So delicious and fun to make!
Hayley Dhanecha says
Oh my goodness! This is one amazing Easter recipe that I will make again and again. To experiment I tried it yesterday, turned out so well, can't wait to make this for my family next week.
Whitney Stewart says
Aww! These look too cute to eat! But I will because they look to good not to! Thanks so much for sharing!
beth says
This makes me excited for easter. This is something I want to do with the kids.
Karen says
I love your recipe! It is very well explained and easy to follow. Thank you so much. I can't wait to do this again.
Paula Richie says
I imagine that this is very tasty. Now I regret that we are giving up bread for Lent. 🙂
Lisa says
What a wonderful recipe for Easter. I love the shape and how you put an egg in the middle. I'm making this for the family!
Celebrate Woman Today says
Totally creative! I applaud you. This recipe could be such a fun one to make with your friends and family.
Melissa Cushing says
I absolutely am loving this recipe and so perfect for Easter! I would love to try and yours came out beautifully!