Italian Ricotta Easter Bread Recipe
A delightful and traditional Italian Easter bread recipe, this sweet and tender bread is made with ricotta cheese, flavored with extracts, and braided into a beautiful loaf, perfect for the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 braided loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained if watery)
For Garnish:
- Colored sprinkles
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast: Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let sit until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Beat butter and sugar, add eggs, ricotta, extracts, and yeast mixture. Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead dough, let rise until doubled.
- Braid and Shape: Divide dough, braid, form a circle, and let rise again.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, decorate with sprinkles, and bake until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- This bread is a classic part of Italian Easter festivities.
- You can add dyed raw eggs into the braid for a festive touch.
- Best enjoyed fresh or as delicious French toast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
