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Soft Fluffy Braided Easter Egg Bread

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A soft, tender, and lightly sweet braided bread with colorful eggs nestled in the braid, perfect for festive Easter tables and spring gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature (2 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 6 large colored eggs, hard-boiled and dyed

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt together.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the flour mixture and add yeast mixture, 2 eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with stand mixer dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
  5. First rise: Place dough in greased bowl, cover with damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Divide and shape: Punch down dough, divide into three equal portions, and roll each into 18-inch ropes.
  7. Braid the dough: Pinch ropes together at one end, lay colored eggs evenly spaced along ropes, braid strands over and under, tucking eggs in. Pinch ends to seal.
  8. Second rise: Transfer braided loaf to parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy but not doubled.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. Egg wash and bake: Beat remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water, brush over braid, and bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  11. Cool: Transfer bread to cooling rack and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Ensure milk is warmed to about 110°F to properly activate yeast. Knead dough until smooth and elastic but slightly tacky for best softness. Be gentle when braiding around eggs to avoid cracking. Brush egg wash lightly and evenly for a shiny crust. Cool bread completely before slicing to prevent gummy texture. If bread browns too fast, tent with foil during last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter bread, braided bread, soft bread, fluffy bread, festive bread, holiday bread, homemade bread, braided Easter egg bread

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/soft-fluffy-braided-easter-egg-bread-recipe-perfect-for-festive-tables/