As the Easter bunny prepares to hop into town, many of us are busy whipping up a storm in the kitchen. But what’s Easter without some delicious and decorative breads to share with friends and family? From classic hot cross buns to sweet Italian treats and savory herb-filled loaves, there’s something for every taste bud. In this article, we’ll explore 20 creative Easter bread recipes that will make your holiday table shine. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these mouthwatering ideas are sure to inspire you to get baking.
Classic Hot Cross Buns
These sweet and spicy buns are a traditional Easter treat, flavored with currants and spices, and topped with a crisscross design. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup currants
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; stir to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add melted butter, egg, currants, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
7. Place buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Traditional Greek Tsoureki
Tsoureki, also known as Red Egg Bread, is a classic Greek sweet bread traditionally baked during Easter celebrations. This sweet and fragrant bread is flavored with mahlepi (a spice blend) and topped with a sweet egg glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp instant yeast
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 tsp mahlepi powder
– 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
– 1 large egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Red eggs, for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and mahlepi powder.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a log.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow the bread to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
8. Decorate with red eggs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Easter Egg Bread Wreath
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful Easter egg bread wreath, perfect for spring celebrations!
Ingredients:
• 2 cups warm milk (105°F – 115°F)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• Colored eggs (for decoration)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Beat in the egg and orange zest.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until elastic.
5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down dough and shape into a wreath.
7. Place egg slices around the wreath for decoration.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sweet Italian Easter Bread
Celebrate the sweetness of spring with this traditional Italian Easter bread recipe, filled with candied fruit and topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon candied orange peel, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon candied citron, finely chopped
– 1 cup sweetened whipped cream (see note)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place dough in the prepared loaf pan, pressing it into the corners.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow the bread to cool before topping with sweetened whipped cream and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Note: To make sweetened whipped cream, beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
Braided Easter Bread with Raisins
Elevate your Easter celebrations with this beautiful and delicious braided bread, infused with sweet raisins. Perfect for a holiday gathering or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup golden raisins
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and raisins to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into three equal parts and roll each part into a long rope.
5. Braid the ropes together, tucking ends under the loaf. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Glazed Lemon Easter Bread
Start your Easter celebration with a sweet and tangy twist on traditional bread! This glazed lemon Easter bread is perfect for springtime gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• Lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, melted butter, beaten egg, and lemon juice. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. While still warm, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze and garnish with lemon zest.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Savory Herb and Cheese Easter Bread
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this flavorful Easter bread, perfect for serving at your next holiday gathering or as a special treat. This savory delight is infused with fresh herbs and melted cheese, making it a delightful addition to any table.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead in remaining cup of flour, cheese, parsley, and rosemary until a smooth dough forms.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down dough and shape into a round loaf.
6. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Chip Easter Bread
Celebrate the Easter season with a deliciously moist and flavorful bread infused with chocolate chips. This recipe is perfect for brunch, snacks, or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
3. Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Honey Easter Bread
Celebrate the joy of Easter with this sweet and aromatic bread, infused with the warmth of spices and the richness of honey. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm water (100°F to 110°F)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then place in a greased bowl to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
5. Mix honey with melted butter and brush over the top of the bread.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cinnamon Swirl Easter Bread
Celebrate the sweetness of Easter with this delightful bread, infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the joy of springtime. This classic recipe yields a tender, golden-brown loaf with a sweet and sticky swirl throughout.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar. Whisk until combined.
3. Add warm milk, eggs, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then shape into a log.
5. Roll out one-third of the dough to form the swirl layer. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
6. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Almond-Filled Easter Bread
Celebrate the joy of Easter with this sweet and savory bread filled with toasted almonds and topped with a crispy egg wash.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup toasted almonds
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add lukewarm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Fold in toasted almonds.
5. Place dough in the prepared loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
6. Let rise for 1 hour, then brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cranberry Orange Easter Bread
Celebrate spring with a sweet and tangy twist on traditional Easter bread. This Cranberry Orange Easter Bread is infused with the flavors of fresh cranberries and orange zest, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm water, sugar, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Gluten-Free Easter Bread
Celebrate Easter with a deliciously moist and flavorful gluten-free bread, perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite holiday dishes. This recipe yields a tender crumb and a lightly sweetened flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup potato starch
– 1/4 cup tapioca flour
– 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (gluten-free)
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 egg, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flours, potato starch, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, proof yeast by mixing with warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Add sugar, olive oil, and yeast mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vanilla Bean Easter Bread
Celebrate Easter with this sweet and fragrant bread infused with the warmth of vanilla beans. Perfect as a breakfast treat or as a dessert, this bread is sure to become a springtime tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh vanilla beans (about 6-8 inches long)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Walnut Easter Bread
Maple Walnut Easter Bread: A sweet and savory bread that combines the warmth of maple syrup with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a springtime celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
2. Add warm water, maple syrup, and melted butter; mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough, shape into a round loaf, and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Easter Bread
Celebrate Easter with this aromatic bread infused with the warmth of rosemary and pungency of garlic. Perfect as a centerpiece for your holiday table or served alongside your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, garlic, and rosemary to the bowl; mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: About 45 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Easter Bread
Add some autumnal flair to your Easter celebration with this unique bread recipe, infused with the warmth of pumpkin spice and the sweetness of honey. Perfect for serving as a brunch centerpiece or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add honey, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the bowl; mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving (optional).
Cooking Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Raspberry Swirl Easter Bread
Add a touch of springtime sweetness to your Easter celebration with this scrumptious raspberry swirl bread recipe. This tender, golden-hued loaf is infused with the flavors of fresh raspberries and topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine yeast, warm milk, and beaten egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread with melted butter and fresh raspberries.
7. Roll up the dough tightly and place in the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Easter Bread
Add a delightful twist to your Easter celebrations with this scrumptious cheesy garlic pull-apart bread. Perfect for a family dinner or as a show-stopping centerpiece, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
3. Gradually add warm water, stirring until dough forms.
4. Knead for 5 minutes; place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
6. Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
8. Use a sharp knife or pastry brush to create a decorative edge.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Strawberry Cream Cheese Easter Bread
Brighten up your Easter celebration with this sweet and savory bread recipe, infused with the flavors of strawberries and cream cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm milk, softened butter, and cream cheese. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Arrange strawberries on top, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Fold the edges over the strawberries and press gently to seal.
7. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a delicious array of Easter bread recipes! From classic hot cross buns to sweet and savory creations, this collection has something for everyone. Try your hand at traditional Greek tsoureki or Italian sweet bread, or go bold with glazed lemon, spiced honey, or pumpkin spice flavors. For a twist, try braided raisin bread or cheesy garlic pull-apart rolls. And don’t forget to impress your guests with an Easter egg bread wreath or cranberry orange loaf. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, these 20 creative recipes are sure to bring joy and flavor to your Easter celebrations!
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