Italian Easter Bread Recipe: Sweet, Soft, and Festive

There are some recipes that just feel like home, and for me, Italian Easter Bread is one of them. This golden, pillowy-soft, slightly sweet bread is braided into a gorgeous wreath, topped with festive sprinkles, and sometimes even has colorful dyed eggs baked right into the dough. It’s the kind of thing that makes the whole house smell amazing and instantly makes Easter feel extra special.

Growing up, Easter morning wasn’t complete without my grandmother’s homemade Easter bread. She’d wake up early to let the dough rise, and by mid-morning, the whole house smelled like warm vanilla and citrus. We’d sneak pieces straight from the oven, the outside golden and crisp, the inside pillowy soft. Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s become one of those traditions we look forward to every single year.

Your Grocery List

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Italian Easter Bread:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, but SO good!)
• ½ teaspoon anise extract (optional, for a classic Italian touch)
• Dyed raw eggs (optional, for decoration)
• Sprinkles (because Easter = sprinkles!)

How Italian Easter Bread Compares to Other Easter Breads

Italian families aren’t the only ones with a special Easter bread! Other cultures have their own takes on this festive tradition, and while they might look similar, they each have their own signature flavors:

• Italian Easter Bread: Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet with hints of vanilla and citrus. Traditionally decorated with sprinkles and sometimes baked with dyed eggs.
• Greek Tsoureki: A little richer than the Italian version, flavored with mahlepi (a cherry seed spice) and topped with red-dyed eggs.
• Portuguese Folar: A slightly denser bread, sometimes flavored with cinnamon and featuring whole baked eggs inside.
• Slovak Paska: A round, lightly sweet bread often decorated with dough cutouts in the shape of religious symbols.

What makes Italian Easter Bread stand out? That soft, buttery texture and those bright, happy sprinkles—it’s just pure joy on a plate!

How to Make Italian Easter Bread

Baking this bread might look fancy, but I promise it’s way easier than it seems! Here’s how to do it:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, stir the warm milk and yeast together. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it looks foamy. This is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to go!
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, salt, orange zest, and anise extract (if using). Stir in the yeast mixture.
3. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s soft, smooth, and slightly elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Braids: Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then braid them together. Form a circle or leave it as a straight braid—totally up to you!
7. Add Dyed Eggs (Optional): If you’re using dyed eggs, gently press them into the braid. They’ll bake right along with the bread (yes, even if they’re raw!).
8. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Bake: Brush the bread with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon milk) and sprinkle with sprinkles. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly glossy on top.
10. Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving. (Or tear off a piece while it’s still warm—no judgment!)

Make It Even Better

Want to put your own spin on it? Try these fun twists:

• Extra Softness: Replace some of the milk with heavy cream for a richer dough.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Mix in mini chocolate chips before shaping the braids.
• Nutty & Spiced: Add chopped almonds and a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.

How to Store & Freeze Italian Easter Bread

This bread stays fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. Want to make it ahead? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it!

What to Serve with Italian Easter Bread

Because this bread is slightly sweet, it pairs perfectly with:

• Butter & Honey: A simple, classic combo.
• Espresso or Cappuccino: The ultimate Italian breakfast pairing.
• Prosciutto & Cheese: If you love a sweet-and-savory contrast, this is the way to go.

Prep Time, Bake Time, and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: About 2.5-3 hours
• Servings: 8-10

Fun Fact About Italian Easter Bread

Did you know that the braided shape symbolizes unity and family? And the dyed eggs represent rebirth and new life—which is why this bread has been a part of Easter celebrations for generations.