Make this slightly sweet braided Easter bread recipe for an impactful centerpiece for your holiday table. Raw eggs decorate the loaf and cook as it bakes.
Preparation Time
40 mins
Cooking Time
35 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Calories
234 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2
Stir 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast together in a bowl until well combined.
Step 3
Heat milk and 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted, 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4
Gradually add milk mixture to flour mixture, stirring constantly. Add 1/2 cup flour and two eggs; mix until well combined. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups flour in three batches, stirring well after each addition, until dough pulls together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Step 5
Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Step 6
Punch down dough, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half and gently form into rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 7
Meanwhile, butter a baking sheet.
Step 8
Roll each dough round into a 36-inch-long roll about 1 1/2 inches thick. Twist dough loosely and form into a ring on the prepared baking sheet, leaving five spaces for eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together, and set whole eggs into the spaces in the dough. Cover loosely with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
Step 9
Brush risen loaf with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
