Perruso's Italian Easter Bread

Celebrate Easter with the vibrant tradition of **Perruso's Italian Easter Bread**, a sweet, tender loaf braided to perfection and adorned with festive rainbow sprinkles. Infused with a hint of vanilla and optional anise for a subtle, aromatic touch, this bread is as delightful to taste as it is to make. The dough’s soft, pillowy texture is achieved through careful kneading and a double-rise process, resulting in a golden-brown crust that’s both decorative and delicious. For an extra festive flair, nestle dyed raw eggs into the braid—an authentic touch that bakes right along with the bread. This classic holiday recipe can be finished with an optional glossy glaze for added sweetness, making it a stunning centerpiece for your Easter table. Perfect for slicing and pairing with a cup of coffee or tea, this traditional Italian treat is sure to impress both family and friends.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:180 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:205 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 5 cups All-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
• 4 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Ground anise seed (optional)
• 1/4 cup Rainbow sprinkles
• 4 Dyed raw eggs (optional for decoration)
• 1 cup Powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
• 2 tablespoons Milk (for optional glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for optional glaze)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter over low heat until butter is just melted and the mixture is warm (about 110°F/43°C). Do not overheat.

Step 3

Crack 3 eggs into a separate bowl and whisk lightly. Reserve the fourth egg for later use as an egg wash.

Step 4

Gradually add the warm milk mixture, whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and ground anise seed (if using) to the dry ingredients.

Step 5

Use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually knead in the remaining 1 cup of flour, adding a little at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.

Step 6

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 7

Place the dough in a greased mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 8

After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long, even rope about 20 inches long.

Step 9

Braid the three ropes together, starting at one end and working to the other. Pinch the ends to seal. Optionally, tuck dyed raw eggs gently into the braid, spacing them evenly. The eggs will cook as the bread bakes.

Step 10

Carefully transfer the braid to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise again for about 45-60 minutes, or until puffed.

Step 11

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, whisk the reserved egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the bread and sprinkle generously with rainbow sprinkles.

Step 12

Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). If the bread appears to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 13

Remove the bread from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. If desired, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.

Step 14

Slice and enjoy! This festive bread pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1689.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4712.6

Total Fat 105.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 1643.8mg	0%
Sodium 3018.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 812.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.6g	0%
Total Sugars 348.9g
Protein 121.8g	0%

Vitamin D 447.9IU	0%
Calcium 661.6mg	0%
Iron 36.1mg	0%
Potassium 1738.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.3%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 69.4%