A Flavorful Journey with Portuguese Easter Breads
This Easter Sweet Bread is soft, fluffy, and fragrant, featuring hints of citrus and spices that will remind you of the spring season. It’s a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, warmed
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, lemon zest, and orange zest. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf or braid it into a traditional Easter bread shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
A Flavorful Journey with Portuguese Easter Breads
This Easter Sweet Bread is soft, fluffy, and fragrant, featuring hints of citrus and spices that will remind you of the spring season. It’s a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, warmed
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, lemon zest, and orange zest. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf or braid it into a traditional Easter bread shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
