Description
This Italian Ricotta Easter Bread is a soft, moist, and festive bread that’s lightly sweetened and enriched with ricotta cheese. Topped with dyed raw eggs and sprinkles, it’s the perfect treat to celebrate Easter with family and friends
Ingredients
-
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (full-fat for best texture)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Decoration:
- 3–4 raw eggs, dyed in pastel colors (do not hard-boil first!)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp colorful sprinkles
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. -
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, ricotta, melted 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 & Add the Eggs:
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 form a wreath or oval shape on a lined baking sheet.
Nestle the dyed raw eggs into the dough, spacing them evenly. -
Final Rise & Bake:
Cover the bread 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.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure not to hard-boil the eggs before adding them to the dough. They will cook in the oven as the bread bakes.
- Feel free to adjust the color of your sprinkles to match your Easter theme or personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg