Braided Italian Easter Bread-pane Di Pasqua Recipe

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Pasqua (braided Italian Easter bread) is a delightful Easter delicacy. Excellent egg-rich, sweet bread symbolizes rebirth and rejuvenation. Perfectly made pane di Pasqua with sprinkles or colorful eggs complements any Easter feast. Follow this recipe to make this tasty bread.  

For the dough: – 4 cups all-purpose flour – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast – 1 teaspoon salt – 1/2 cup warm milk – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – 4 large egg – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Zest of 1 lemon or orange For the egg wash: – 1 egg, beaten – 1 tablespoon milk For decoration: – Colored sprinkle – Dyed Easter eggs (optional)

Ingredient

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In a small bowl, mix warm milk and a pinch of sugar to activate yeast. Sprinkle yeast over milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.  

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Step 1

Instructions

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Prepare dough: Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and zest. Add the active yeast. Mix until dough forms with a wooden spoon or stand mixer dough hook.  

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Step 2

Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes on medium speed.  

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Step 3

First rise: Put the dough in an oiled basin, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-2 hours in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled.  

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Step 4

Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough to remove air. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-24-inch rope. Braid the ropes into a circle and squeeze the ends to close.  

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Step 5

Second rise: Place braided dough on parchment-lined baking pan. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy. While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).  

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Step 6

Whisk the beaten egg and milk in a small bowl to egg wash and decorate. Brush egg wash on rising bread. Sprinkle colored sprinkles on the bread or gently nestle dyed Easter eggs in the braids.  

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Step 7

Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through. Bread that browns too quickly can be covered with foil halfway through baking.  

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Step 8

Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy Easter Pane di Pasqua with family!  

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Step 9

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