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Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread

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This Italian Easter Bread is a soft, slightly sweet braided bread with colorful eggs baked right into the dough. A beautiful, festive treat just like Grandma Nardi used to make! Perfect for Easter gatherings, family dinners, or a traditional Italian celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Dough:
    • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
    • 2/3 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
  • For the Decoration:
    • 3–5 raw eggs, dyed in pastel colors (do not hard-boil first!)
    • 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
    • 2 tbsp sprinkles (optional, for extra festive touch)

Instructions

  • Activate the Yeast:
    In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

  • Make the Dough:
    In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
    Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until combined.
    Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5 minutes with a dough hook.)
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

  • Shape & Braid the Bread:
    Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
    Roll each piece into a long rope (about 16 inches long).
    Braid the three ropes together and shape into a circle or wreath on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Gently nestle the dyed raw eggs into the dough, spacing them evenly.

  • Final Rise & Bake:
    Cover the braided dough loosely with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Brush the dough with milk and sprinkle with festive sprinkles if using.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Notes

  • The raw eggs will bake right into the dough and create a beautiful, festive look.
  • For a soft crust, you can brush the finished bread with butter after baking.
  • This bread is delicious served fresh or toasted with butter!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/grandma-nardis-italian-easter-bread/