This delightful Easter Egg Bread is a festive centerpiece that combines the comforting aroma of yeast bread with the sweet-tart brightness of candied fruits and the subtle licorice kick of anise seeds. The dough is rich and tender, yielding a soft crumb that holds up beautifully to the hearty mix-ins. As the bread rises and bakes, it forms a golden-brown braid, traditionally encircling hard-boiled eggs which symbolize new life. This dish is perfect for holiday brunches or special family gatherings, offering a nostalgic taste that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. It’s a slightly labor-intensive bake, but the impressive result is well worth the effort for any spring celebration.
Easter Egg Bread
Description
This delightful Easter Egg Bread is a festive centerpiece that combines the comforting aroma of yeast bread with the sweet-tart brightness of candied fruits and the subtle licorice kick of anise seeds. The dough is rich and tender, yielding a soft crumb that holds up beautifully to the hearty mix-ins. As the bread rises and bakes, it forms a golden-brown braid, traditionally encircling hard-boiled eggs which symbolize new life. This dish is perfect for holiday brunches or special family gatherings, offering a nostalgic taste that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. It&# 226;ÂÂs a slightly labor-intensive bake, but the impressive result is well worth the effort for any spring celebration.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
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In a small saucepan, heat the milk and margarine over low heat until warm (about 110ðF), ensuring the margarine dissolves.
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Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
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Add the 2 room-temperature eggs to the mixture and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
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Stir in the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a soft, shaggy dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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While the dough rises, hard boil 5 eggs, peel them, and dye them if desired.
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In a small bowl, combine the mixed candied fruits, chopped almonds, and anise seeds.
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Punch down the risen dough and knead in the fruit, nut, and anise mixture until evenly distributed.
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Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into a 24-inch long rope.
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Braid the two ropes loosely together to form a long strand.
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Shape the braided dough into a ring on a greased baking sheet, pinching the ends together to seal.
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Arrange the 5 hard-boiled eggs in the center of the ring, tucking them slightly into the dough.
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Cover the bread and let rise again for about 1 hour, or until the dough is puffy and nearly doubled.
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Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
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Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
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Cool completely on a wire rack.
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Optional: Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with colored sprinkles before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 946.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.9g25%
- Saturated Fat 3.0g15%
- Cholesterol 0.8mg1%
- Sodium 5104.1mg213%
- Total Carbohydrate 173.3g58%
- Dietary Fiber 8.3g34%
- Sugars 18.3g
- Protein 25.2g51%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
