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Citrus Almond Easter Bread

Citrus Almond Easter Bread: A Sweet Springtime Delight

Citrus Almond Easter Bread is a festive, sweet bread bursting with citrus and almond flavors, perfect for spring celebrations.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3/4 cup Milk Activates the yeast and adds moisture; can substitute with almond milk.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the dough; reduce for less sweetness.
  • 1 large Orange Zest Provides vibrant citrus flavor; reserve some for icing.
  • 2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast Essential for a fluffy texture; ensure freshness.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Adds richness; can replace with coconut oil.
  • 4 large Eggs Provides structure; substitute with flax eggs for vegan.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Enhances flavor; do not reduce.
  • 3 tsp Almond Extract Infuses with almond flavor; vanilla can be used instead.
  • 2 tsp Orange Extract Amplifies citrus notes; can omit.
For the Glaze
  • 2 Tbsp Cream Cheese Adds creaminess; can substitute with dairy-free.
  • 4 Tbsp Whipping Cream Creates a velvety glaze; can replace with milk.
For Garnishing
  • Sprinkles & Almond Slices Adds festive touch and color.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • kitchen towel
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Activate Yeast: Warm 3/4 cup of milk with orange juice and orange extract until warm, not boiling. Combine with sugar and yeast, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour with the yeast mixture. Stir in melted butter and beaten eggs until a soft dough forms. Adjust flour if too sticky.
  3. Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface, knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours.
  4. Shape Bread: Punch down the dough, divide into three parts, roll into ropes, then braid and shape into a circle.
  5. Second Rise: Place braided dough on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  7. Glaze: Whisk together cream cheese and whipping cream until smooth. Once bread is cooled, drizzle glaze and add sprinkles and almonds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure to check the freshness of yeast for best results. Allow for proper rise times for a fluffy texture.

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