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Italian Ricotta Easter Bread

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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

Scale

  1. 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:

    1. 3–4 raw eggs, dyed in pastel colors (do not hard-boil first!)
    2. 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
    3. 2 tbsp colorful sprinkles

Instructions

  • 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

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/italian-ricotta-easter-bread/