Easter Bread Recipe Italian With Anise

September 16, 2023 Post a Comment

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Italian Anise Easter Bread The Ephemeral Bee from ephemeralbee.com

Description

Easter is a time for celebration and indulging in delicious treats. And when it comes to traditional Easter bread, no one does it better than the Italians. This recipe for Easter bread Italian with anise is a classic, and it's easy to make at home. The bread is soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, with hints of anise and citrus. It's perfect for serving at your Easter brunch or as a sweet snack any time of day.

Prep Time

Preparation for this recipe takes about 30 minutes.

Cook Time

Cooking time for this recipe takes about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the bread:

1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon anise extract
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the glaze:

1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Stand mixer
Baking sheet
Pastry brush

Method

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, anise extract, orange zest, and salt until well combined.
Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
Add the flour, one cup at a time, and stir until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope and braid them together.
Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
While the bread is baking, make the glaze by whisking together the confectioners' sugar and orange juice in a small bowl.
Remove the bread from the oven and brush it with the glaze while it is still warm.
Let the bread cool completely before serving.

Notes

This recipe for Easter bread Italian with anise makes one large loaf. You can also divide the dough into smaller pieces and make individual rolls. The bread will keep for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

Nutrition Info

This recipe for Easter bread Italian with anise yields 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 300
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 230mg
Potassium: 110mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Vitamin A: 230IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 30mg
Iron: 3mg

Recipes FAQ

Can I use a different type of extract?

Yes, you can use a different type of extract if you prefer. Almond extract or vanilla extract would both work well in this recipe.

Can I omit the anise?

Yes, you can omit the anise if you don't like the flavor. You can replace it with another extract or simply leave it out.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this bread ahead of time. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for best results.
Don't skip the kneading step, as it helps develop the gluten in the dough and gives the bread a nice texture.
If you don't have anise extract, you can use anise seeds instead. Crush them with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and add them to the dough.
Brush the bread with the glaze while it's still warm to help it soak in and add extra flavor.