Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Fluffy – A tender, rich dough with a light and airy texture.
Perfectly Sweet – Just the right amount of sweetness for a delightful Easter treat.
Beautifully Braided – Makes a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Versatile – Enjoy it plain, toasted, or with butter and jam.
Traditional and Festive – A meaningful, time-honored recipe for Easter celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Warm milk
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Salt
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Lemon zest
Sliced almonds
Egg wash (egg + water or milk)
Pearl sugar (optional, for topping)

Directions

Activate the yeast – In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Prepare the dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest.
Knead the dough – Knead by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let it rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape the bread – Punch down the dough, divide it into three equal parts, and braid them together. Place the braid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Second rise – Cover and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Brush and garnish – Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds and pearl sugar.
Bake – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and serve – Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy with butter, jam, or on its own!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 2-2.5 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

Chocolate Chip Easter Bread – Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist.
Cinnamon Swirl – Roll the dough with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before braiding.
Nutty Delight – Mix chopped almonds into the dough for extra crunch.
Glazed Easter Bread – Drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk.
Dried Fruit Version – Add raisins, dried cranberries, or candied citrus peels for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Toast slices or warm in a low oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Easter bread without a stand mixer?

Yes! Knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is active, and place the dough in a warm, draft-free environment.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Reduce the rise time slightly as instant yeast works faster.

What is the purpose of almond extract?

It enhances the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of the bread.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise overnight in the fridge.

Why is my bread too dense?

Over-kneading, using too much flour, or insufficient rising time can lead to a dense texture.

Can I shape this bread differently?

Absolutely! You can make it into rolls, a round loaf, or even a wreath shape.

How do I make the top extra golden and shiny?

Use an egg wash (egg mixed with a little water or milk) before baking.

Can I skip the almonds on top?

Yes! You can leave them out or replace them with another topping like sesame seeds.

What’s the best way to serve Easter bread?

Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or with honey, jam, or even cream cheese.

Conclusion

Traditional Easter Bread with Almonds is a delicious, festive bread perfect for celebrating the holiday. With its soft texture, rich flavor, and beautiful braided design, it’s sure to be a centerpiece on your Easter table. Whether you enjoy it fresh, toasted, or with a spread of your choice, this timeless recipe is one you’ll want to make year after year!

Easter Bread with Almonds

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Author: Ava
Total Time: 3hours
Yield: 8-10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Traditional Easter Bread with Almonds is a beautifully braided, slightly sweet bread with a soft and fluffy texture. Infused with vanilla, almond extract, and lemon zest, and topped with crunchy sliced almonds, this festive bread is perfect for Easter celebrations, brunch, or a special treat.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
2 eggs
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
1 tsp lemon zest
¼ cup sliced almonds
1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
2 tbsp pearl sugar (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast – In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Prepare the Dough – In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest.
Knead the Dough – Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (dough hook) for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bread – Punch down the dough, divide it into three equal parts, and braid them together. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second Rise – Cover the braid and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Brush & Garnish – Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with sliced almonds and pearl sugar.
Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool & Serve – Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy with butter, jam, or on its own!

Notes

Ensure the yeast is active by checking for foaming during activation.
For extra softness, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Overnight option: Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 30min
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European, Easter