Simple Easter Bread
It doesn't have to be Easter to make this soft and sweet egg bread. If you skip the glaze and sprinkles and use an egg wash before baking, you can toast it. Have all your ingredients at room temperature and ALWAYS AERATE (not sift) YOUR FLOUR BEFORE MEASURING.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Makes: One loaf
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 2 teaspoons instant or RapidRiise yeast (one packet/7 grams)
- 1/3 cup sugar (use 1/2 cup for sweeter bread)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk (I use 1% or 2% low fat milk) warmed to 120-130° F
- 1/4 cup softened butter at room temperature
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 heaping cup golden raisins
- additional 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar + about 2 Tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles of your choice
Glaze:
Instructions:
- Combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add warm milk, butter, egg + yolk, and vanilla.
- With electric mixer, beat on high for two minutes.
- Reduce speed, add raisins and about 1/2 cup more flour until the dough forms a mass.
- Knead on a floured surface for 100 turns (about 3 minutes).
- Cover dough with plastic and let it rest 10 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into two and roll each piece into a 24-inch long rope. Twist the ropes together (see photo in my blog) and transfer to your baking sheet. Shape the braid into a circle, pinching & tucking the ends together.
- Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size – about 1 - 1 1/4 hours.
- When loaf has doubled in size bake in a preheated oven at 350° F for 25 minutes. (I lay a piece of foil on the top for the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning)
- Let cool for 10 minutes and add glaze, followed immediately with sprinkles.
For How-To Photos in my blog click here.
Problems with this recipe? Click here.
Leave a Comment
Evelyn
March 23, 2023 at 5:10 am
Wow! This was simple and tastes awesome. I always have trouble with a “knead dough” recipe. I did have to add more flour so it did not stick , not really knowing what I was doing, but it Worked! Was worried was going to be bland but was delicious. Used the less sugar recipe and did scoop flour per your instructions. Had fumble fingers trying to branding.. lol..but end result ok.
Would you recommend a pan size please?Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
March 23, 2023 at 9:24 am
My baking sheet measures 12 x 16 inches.
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Ann Marie Ward
February 20, 2023 at 2:03 pm
I forwarded my pics today of my Brioche bread I made and I got an error “mail undeliverable” .
I used the link you provided but my e-mail & pics were returned.
Help!Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
February 21, 2023 at 10:41 am
Thank you for letting me know. We are working on getting it fixed so please check back later.
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Linda C
April 12, 2022 at 11:22 am
I enjoyed making this recipe, my only mistake was it needed to be baked for 5 more minutes, As my oven takes longer. Otherwise it’s very nice.
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ILOVEJENNYSRECIPES
April 5, 2022 at 7:40 am
Dear Jenny,
Testing some new sweets recipes for Easter and have found YOUR beautiful Easter Ring Loaf is a KEEPER! Baked and tasted yesterday….so delicious and almost addictive! PERFECT subtly sweet flavor, crumb and moisture level…still enjoying today….needless to say will need more for the holiday.
Will be baking your Easter Bread & Braided Cinnamon loaves again next week…and now, onto a first-time bake of your poppyseed bread. Ordered 1LB of seeds (just received) for this loaf…I am sure this one will be a winner too. Watched your funny poppyseed roll “missing ?$?$ch..ze..kccc$$$” video yesterday to “get ready” and will let you know how it turns out.
My sweet Busia used to make Makowiec poppy bread but never liked it as a kid, but now – in my older years am loving Polish food/sweets – especially YOUR recipes.
BEST WISHES to you and your family. Sincerely, – Paula
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BONNIE
August 18, 2021 at 9:06 am
A little disappointed there is no video.
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Elaine christopher
February 26, 2021 at 3:53 pm
Jenny, love all your recipes. Can this recipe be made in a loaf pan? Made your white bread a d it came out perfect. Thank you so much
Reply to this comment
janet
June 6, 2020 at 5:14 pm
hi jenny, is this dough like zopf brot that the germans make. is this the same type of recipe kinda? can i just use this dough and braid it into a braided egg bread like they have around easter time. thanks for the help. love your stuff and you. you are very generous and kind. thank you so much.
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Robert in California
December 4, 2019 at 1:27 pm
Hi Jenny! After many tries at bread, I saw your Youtube video and had success the first time! Is this recipe like Pandoro (Verona Christmas Cake)? Do you know any tricks to bypass the complicated recipe for that bread?
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Doris
August 20, 2019 at 7:09 pm
I. Thinkyour recipes are grest. Lemen brownies awesome.
Reply to this comment
Doris
August 20, 2019 at 7:08 pm
I. Thinkyour recipes are grest. Lemen brownies awesome.
Reply to this comment
Kathy
April 25, 2019 at 4:15 am
Taste was phenomenal but the bread did not brown like your picture. Maybe there should be an egg wash step I missed?
Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
April 30, 2019 at 11:36 am
There is no egg wash on mine. Assuming you did not make any changes, it’s possible your oven was not hot enough.
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Connee Safis
April 20, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Hi Jenny cou;d I put raisins and cranberries in the dough
Thank you
ConneeReply to this comment
JM
April 10, 2019 at 8:32 am
hey jenny can you use “rapid rise” yeast with this recipe? If so would you have to change anything? Thanks Love your site!!!!
Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
April 11, 2019 at 3:48 pm
Yes, you can. They are the same thing and I have adjusted the recipe.
Reply to this comment
JM
April 7, 2019 at 10:07 am
Hi jenny! I love your recipes and have made quite a few all with good luck. I was wondering could if I could use the “quick rise yeast”? I use it on my other Easter breads but since yours will be my first I was not sure if I could. Thank you and keep the recipes coming!!!!
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Nelya
March 21, 2019 at 10:28 pm
This seems pretty simple. I’m wondering, could I use this recipe for a deeper bread (like in a bread pan or something)? Or would that be a complete mess with the cook time? Alternately, what about cupcake size? Would I need to fill them just halfway?
Reply to this comment
Linda Straczynski
February 28, 2019 at 9:03 am
HiJenny enjoy and have made many of your recpeswith a huge success. I have made this Easter bread last year. My husband is Polish, as you can see.I am Greek. Our Greek Easter Bread called Kouloura.is pretty much like this recipe. With the Greek version which I make, I added a spice called Mahlep, and omit the vanilla and raisons..Tastes exactly like the Greek version.. I also cover bread with sesame seeds. Some put a red hard boiled egg nestled on top for Easter. I just love this recipe… As always, you rock..Linda
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Lynn
March 17, 2021 at 4:16 am
My husband is greek and I would like to add mahlap to this recipe. Can you please tell me how much you added?
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Kim
February 4, 2019 at 1:52 pm
Hi Jenny,
Could I use the same recipe to make small buns instead? Thanks a lot for this wonderful website of yours!
Reply to this comment
Annemarie
February 26, 2022 at 9:39 pm
YES KIM YOU CAN ALSO MAKE INDIVIDUAL BREADS, JUST WATCH THAT YOU DON’T OVERCOOK THEM. I MADE INDIVIDUAL BREAD KNOTS WITH A HARD BOILED EASTER EGG IN EACH ONE.
Reply to this comment
D. Lynn Carmichael (aka Danusia)
May 28, 2018 at 4:46 pm
I have a sneaking suspicion that this pretty sweet-and-eggy bread ring is going to taste like placek.
My Babcia, who hailed from Krasnystaw county in Lublin Voivodeship, Poland, made such a marvelous Easter placek that seemed to defy gravity — it rose exceedingly high, with a dome-top that looked like a giant mushroom! The texture of Babci’s placek was light and airy but chewy … and yellow with multiple fresh eggs from the farmer’s market in St. Catharines. But the aroma and flavor: ahhhh: indescribably wonderful of buttery, yeasty vanilla. Just great for dunking in herbata (tea) or coffee.
Alas, I never watched my Babcia make that placek! She would get up extra early to create it, and then it would just appear, all done and scrumptious in her kitchen, as if by magic.
Can’t wait to try this recipe, Jenny — after I finish these half-white-whole-wheat quick bread buns, template recipe from your delightful Website.
Jump: to quick bread buns for comment.
P.s.: Thank you, Jenny, for all you have shared on this site. You are a treasure.
I hope this little note finds all well with you.
*Reply to this comment
D. Lynn Carmichael (aka Danusia)
May 28, 2018 at 4:53 pm
Whoops! Make that: farmers’ market … and blame a big glass of iced Pinot Grigio … you know, holiday long-weekend and beautiful weather, here in “Silly Valley,” CA.
Reply to this comment
Barbara Karr
April 14, 2018 at 4:10 pm
Jennie! Where is the Placzek? With your Polish background and love for Polish food there has to be a recipe somewhere.
Reply to this comment
D. Lynn Carmichael (aka Danusia)
August 5, 2018 at 4:32 pm
Barbara, if you want to find a recipe for classic, eggy, fragrant, high-topped Polish placek — don’t search for placek, too frustrating!! Instead, search for Paska, a Ukrainian and Slovak Easter bread — it’s precisely traditional Polish Easter placek! (Placek simply means cake …)
There is lots (with all kinds of photos and video) under Paska Easter bread. Took me a while to connect the dots & figure it out.
Enjoy!Reply to this comment
ed
January 4, 2019 at 10:15 pm
This is similar, if not the same as the Greek or Armenian easter bread, “tsoureki” or “cho*reg”. It is sometimes made with a spice known as “mahleb” and is sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Reply to this comment
D. Lynn Carmichael
February 18, 2019 at 3:17 am
Thanks, Ed, now I know what to do with that precious little jar of mahlab that I bought on ‘The Zon.’ (Found the same little jar at a local market later at a much better price.)
Reply to this comment
Betty Navarro
January 13, 2020 at 8:12 am
Danusia, That’s very Nice of you to Help out a Fellow “Jenny Can Cook” Commenter by sharing info on similar recipes.
The info, also, helps the rest of us Commenters. I’m not Polish, but I Love a Good tasting Fruited Yeast Bread. Thak You. 🙂Reply to this comment
Joni Can Cook
April 2, 2018 at 9:29 am
I made this for our Easter dinner yesterday and it turned out great. The only problem I had was that it took a really long time for the dough to rise. I eventually took it outside and put it directly in the Florida sun. That did the trick!
Now I need to figure out how to post pics of my bread on your site!Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
April 2, 2018 at 9:35 am
Here is the link to post photos: YourPhotos@JennyCanCook.com
Reply to this comment
Joni Can Cook
April 2, 2018 at 10:47 am
FYI – I emailed my pics to the address you provided, but I received a “mail undeliverable” notice. ☹️
Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
April 2, 2018 at 10:57 am
Your photos arrived and have been posted. Thank you!
Reply to this comment
Joni Can Cook
April 2, 2018 at 4:08 pm
Yay! Thank you. The Easter Bread was delicious and everyone love it?.
Reply to this comment
Pia
March 28, 2018 at 8:35 am
This bread turned out delicious, even though I forgot to add the sugar 😉
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runbabirun
March 21, 2018 at 7:54 am
Thanks for posting this Jenny! Looks yummy!
Reply to this comment
Kath
March 21, 2018 at 6:35 am
Will the Easter bread recipe work using fat free milk?
Thanks!
Reply to this comment
Bruce E
March 20, 2018 at 3:47 pm
Just made the bread, and tried the first piece…..it was great. I’m thinking that for year-round use, I will add some cinnamon to it and lose the glaze. It should make a real good cinnamon toast. I will certainly be making it again.
Reply to this comment
Harry R.
March 20, 2018 at 6:22 am
I found that the recipe yielded a sticky dough that could not be handled and kneaded. Adding flour to coax it to something firmer and dryer point didn’t produce a dough that could become the bread illustrated.
Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
March 20, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Please use the link at the bottom of the recipe for a possible explanation. This can happen if someone sifts the flour before measuring.
Reply to this comment
Jean
March 19, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Thank you Jenny!
-Jean?Reply to this comment
Colleen
March 19, 2018 at 9:24 am
This looked so good I decided to make it last night. Quick and easy just as Jenny described. Hubby doesn’t care for raisins, I added dried cherries soaked in apple brandy instead. I decided to give it a cold rise overnight, wrapped loosely with plastic wrap and towel. After bake, I sprinkled blue crystals on top, but would reco the kind Jenny used as it was not as festive looking as Jenny’s. It WAS easy and delicious. My husband was late getting out the door this morning waiting for a slice. I sent in a pic.
Reply to this comment
Jimbob
March 18, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Thank You !
Reply to this comment
Rena
March 18, 2018 at 1:10 pm
Jenny, I make your no rise buns every other day. My husband loves my buns so much. Better than baguettes that we used to buy at almost $4.00 each
Reply to this comment
Sandy
March 19, 2018 at 8:23 am
Where is the recipe for no rise buns that you referred to?
I would like to try it.
Thanks.Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
March 19, 2018 at 8:42 am
I think she was referring to my “”No Knead Crusty Rolls.”
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Janis
March 21, 2018 at 6:01 pm
They are quick and easy to make and are really realllllly good. I make them at least once a week and my son loves them says they are just like the ones we used to buy from the store but better cause I make fresh. I want to thank you for your cooking show I really enjoy it and so happy you’re made the recipes easy. I have done your pierogis, stuff cabbage, rolls and every one came out great. Thank you again
Reply to this comment
Djones
March 18, 2018 at 9:54 am
I have the worst luck with anything that involves yeast but I always try hoping for success. My dough came out to gooey and had to add much more flour than it called for. Any suggestions as to why? Everything was at room temperature and Measured correctly. It is rising now and hopeful it comes out okay
Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
March 18, 2018 at 10:36 am
You might find a solution here: https://www.jennycancook.com/problems-with-yeast-baking/
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OldButch
March 18, 2018 at 8:07 am
This IS a easy recipe AND very delicious. Made it this morning. We always buy “Hoy Cross Buns” during Easter and this is even better. Thank You so very much for you being you !
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Connie Natale
March 18, 2018 at 7:20 am
Thank you. I miss your videos!
Reply to this comment
PATTYC
March 18, 2018 at 6:40 am
I AM SOOO THANKFUL AND HAPPY TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!! I HAVE USED YOUR GREAT RECIPE ON MEATLOAF EVER SINCE I FOUND IT AWHILE AGO. NO OTHER RECIPE WILL DO!! CONTINUED SUCCESS!!
Reply to this comment
lois
March 18, 2018 at 8:32 am
Where do you find the meatloaf recipe?
thanks
loisReply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
March 18, 2018 at 10:16 am
https://www.jennycancook.com/recipes/best-meatloaf-recipe/
Reply to this comment
Joan
March 18, 2018 at 6:00 am
Appreciate your site. I’m Polish and your Polish recipes are very similar to the ones my Mother made. She has passed on now and some of her recipes, I’m sorry to say, are now lost. Yours help me fill in the blanks, Can this recipe be baked in loaf pans? Thank you!
Reply to this comment
Amy
March 18, 2018 at 5:52 am
great..now i have to make this lol this sounds so good!!
Reply to this comment
Diane
March 18, 2018 at 4:30 am
Love love love your recipes. You are the best!
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Judy
March 18, 2018 at 2:46 am
I love your recipes. They are easy to follow, and the instructions, video’s and moving through your website is also easy to follow. The print recipe feature is the best. Use for shopping list ingredients too. All of your bread recipes and all of your recipes make it so wonderful for people who would not otherwise think they could bake or cook. I have made many of your recipes, and they are all easy to follow, prepare, make and taste so good. Good pointers to people who would not attempt to make their own bread, etc. because of getting bricks; instead of bread. Delicious and no longer buy store bread or frozen pizza. Thank you for sharing.
Reply to this comment
Seoh
March 18, 2018 at 12:43 am
Jenny, we love your recipes. Thank you dearly for sharing them with us all. 🙂
Reply to this comment
Mary Meyerhof
March 18, 2018 at 12:23 am
I have made so many breads using Jenny Can Cook instructional/tutorial videos and these recipes have provided us with delicious breads and pizzas.
THANK YOU !
Reply to this comment
Judy
March 17, 2018 at 11:42 pm
Jenny….I love your recipes and your sense of humor that helps the newer Bread Bakers have confidence rather than doubts about Bread Making:)
This is a special recipe for me and Easter can’t come soon enough for me this year..lol. I think it will be a nice birthday party bread for my Granddaughters, too, in years to come❤️ Thank you for giving me some new ideas now that I’m a Grandma who likes to surprise them w new “traditions” of MY OWN.
Can I make and freeze these and freeze for a week before parties? I hope so.Reply to this comment
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