Easter Bread – Classic, Italian and Gluten-Free Option

No Easter desserts table is complete without a warm, fluffy Easter Bread. This lightly sweet bread with raisins is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or served with butter. Bonus—it’s easier than it looks and there’s a gluten-free option too!

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How to Make Easter Bread – 4 Delicious Variations

Easter Bread is a sweet, soft bread that makes a beautiful centerpiece for your Easter table. Whether you love a simple version, the traditional Italian style, extra sweetness with raisins, or need a gluten-free option—this chapter has you covered!

1. Classic Easter Bread Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
• Optional: sprinkles for decoration

2. Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua) Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional for extra flavor)
• 4–6 raw dyed eggs (they bake in the bread)
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
• Optional: colorful sprinkles

3. Easter Bread with Raisins Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup raisins (soaked in warm water, then drained)
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

4. Gluten-Free Easter Bread Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup warm almond or oat milk
• ¼ cup vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
• 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup raisins or dried fruit
• Plant-based milk for brushing

Basic Steps (for all variations):

1. Prepare the Dough: Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add eggs (or flax eggs), melted butter, vanilla, and flour. Knead until soft.
2. First Rise: Cover and let the dough rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
3. Shape the Bread: Form it into a braid or ring. Add dyed eggs if using the Italian version. And Braid three dough ropes like a regular hair braid, then shape it into a circle and pinch the ends together.
4. Second Rise: Let rise another 30 minutes.
5. Bake: Brush with egg wash or plant milk. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

No matter which version you choose, this Easter Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for brunch or your Easter desserts table! Serve with butter, jam, or enjoy it as is.