Description
Indulgent italian ricotta easter bread brings festive Mediterranean charm to holiday tables, weaving traditional flavors into a delightful culinary experience. Sweet dough enriched with creamy ricotta promises a memorable celebration that delights family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Dough Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Decoration Ingredients:
- 3/4 raw eggs, dyed in pastel colors
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast activation by combining warm milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar in a small bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
- Create the dough foundation by blending flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a large mixing vessel. Incorporate the activated yeast, ricotta, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Thoroughly integrate all components until a cohesive mixture forms.
- Knead the dough on a generously floured surface for 8-10 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture. For stand mixer users, utilize the dough hook and process for approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, envelop with a clean cloth, and permit rising in a warm environment for 1½ to 2 hours until the volume doubles.
- Deflate the dough and segment into three uniform portions. Roll each segment into elongated ropes measuring roughly 16 inches.
- Meticulously braid the ropes, forming an elegant wreath or oval configuration on a lined baking sheet. Gently nestle dyed raw eggs evenly throughout the braided structure.
- Allow a secondary rise by draping a towel loosely over the bread. Let it expand for 30-45 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Delicately brush the dough surface with milk and adorn with festive sprinkles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the bread achieves a rich golden-brown hue and reaches complete doneness.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which could result in dense bread.
- Add flour gradually while kneading to achieve a soft, slightly tacky texture without becoming too dry.
- Gently press dyed eggs into braided dough to prevent them from falling out during baking, creating a beautiful festive presentation.
- Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly alternative.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 228
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 94 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg