Easter Bread Recipe With Anise: A Sweet And Fragrant Treat

August 05, 2023 Post a Comment

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Italian Anise Bread from freshaprilflours.com

Description

Easter bread, also known as Pasca, is a traditional sweet bread that is commonly prepared during the Easter season. This bread is typically made with rich and sweet ingredients like eggs, sugar, and butter, and is often flavored with spices like anise. The addition of anise gives the bread a fragrant and slightly licorice-like flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. In this article, we'll share a recipe for Easter bread with anise that is sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time

Preparation for this Easter bread recipe with anise takes about 30 minutes.

Cook Time

Cooking time for this recipe takes around 45 minutes.

Ingredients

For the bread dough, you will need:

1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp anise extract
1 tbsp active dry yeast
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt

For the egg wash, you will need:

1 egg
1 tbsp water

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush

Method

Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it reaches 110°F. Remove from heat and stir in the yeast until dissolved. Let sit for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and anise extract, and beat until well combined.
Slowly pour the milk and yeast mixture into the bowl, stirring until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into two pieces and shape each into a round loaf. Place the loaves onto the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the loaves.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

This Easter bread recipe with anise can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Info

This Easter bread recipe with anise makes 2 loaves, and each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 215
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 38mg
Sodium: 108mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 6g

Recipes FAQ

What is anise extract?

Anise extract is a flavoring made from the seeds of the anise plant. It has a sweet, fragrant, and slightly licorice-like flavor that is commonly used in baking and cooking.

Can I substitute anise extract with other flavorings?

Yes, you can substitute anise extract with other flavorings like vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon extract. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the bread.

Can I freeze Easter bread with anise?

Yes, you can freeze Easter bread with anise for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove the bread from the freezer and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired, as this can affect the rise of the bread.
If you don't have anise extract, you can substitute with anise seeds. Crush them and add them to the dough before kneading.
If you want a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar to 3/4 cup.
For a softer crust, brush the loaves with melted butter or milk instead of egg wash.

With this Easter bread recipe with anise, you can enjoy a sweet and fragrant treat that is perfect for the Easter season. Whether you serve it as a dessert or a breakfast bread, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.