Italian Ricotta Easter Bread

Is there anything more delightful than the smell of freshly baked bread on Easter morning? Italian Ricotta Easter Bread is one of those classic, comforting treats that’ll make your holiday extra special. This soft, sweet bread, infused with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, is braided into beautiful spirals and often adorned with colorful sprinkles, making it as much a treat for the eyes as for the tastebuds. Whether you’re sharing it at Easter brunch or gifting it to loved ones, this bread is a symbol of tradition and sweetness. Trust me, every bite will have you falling in love with it all over again.

Why You’ll Love Italian Ricotta Easter Bread

• Perfectly Sweet: It’s not overwhelmingly sweet, but just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping that delicious bread flavor.
• Tender & Fluffy: The ricotta gives the bread a soft, airy texture that’s simply irresistible. It’s like biting into a cloud of heaven!
• Beautiful Presentation: The braided shape with its colorful sprinkles makes it a stunning centerpiece for your Easter table.
• Tradition in Every Bite: This bread is rich in Italian heritage, passed down through generations. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a piece of history.
• Versatile: It’s fantastic for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Making this Italian Ricotta Easter Bread is easy once you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bread

• All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, giving it structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise, creating that light and airy texture.
• Ricotta cheese: The key ingredient for the soft, rich, and tender crumb.
• Whole milk: Used to activate the yeast and bring moisture to the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the bread.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract: For a lovely, aromatic sweetness.
• Lemon zest: Adds a refreshing, citrusy note to balance the sweetness.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the taste.

For the Glaze & Garnish

• Powdered sugar: For a sweet and smooth glaze.
• Milk: Thin the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
• Colorful sprinkles (optional): For an extra festive touch, especially for Easter!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making this bread is easier than it looks, so let’s walk through the steps together!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s just warm to the touch (about 110°F). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, ricotta cheese, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the dough begins to form.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bread

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Braid the three ropes together to form a loaf. If you want to get creative, you can form it into a spiral shape or even a round braided wreath—whatever you prefer!

Step 4: Second Rise

Place the braided dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it puffs up a bit.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack while you prepare the glaze.

Step 6: Glaze the Bread

Once the bread has cooled to room temperature, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the bread and finish with colorful sprinkles to add that perfect pop of Easter cheer!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrate: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

How to Serve Italian Ricotta Easter Bread

• As a Breakfast Delight: Serve it warm for breakfast with a cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice.
• Easter Brunch: This bread is a showstopper at any Easter brunch spread—its beautiful braided shape and colorful sprinkles will steal the spotlight!
• For Dessert: Pair a slice of this sweet, tender bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a lovely dessert.
• Gifting: It makes a wonderful homemade gift wrapped up in a pretty cloth and tied with a ribbon—ideal for Easter or any occasion.

Additional Tips

• Extra Flavors: You can add a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. Or, try adding raisins or chopped candied fruit for extra texture.
• Don’t Skip the Rise Time: The rise time is essential to developing the soft texture of the bread. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!
• Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw before glazing and serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this bread without ricotta?
A1: Ricotta is what gives this bread its soft, moist texture, so I wouldn’t recommend skipping it. However, if you absolutely have to, you could substitute it with mascarpone cheese or even cream cheese, though the texture will vary.

Q2: Can I use a bread machine to make this dough?
A2: Yes, you can! Follow the bread machine’s instructions for kneading and rising. Just remember to shape it into a braid after the dough has risen.

Q3: Can I make this bread the night before?
A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking the next day.

Q4: Can I make this bread into smaller individual rolls?
A4: Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and roll them into little balls to bake as individual rolls. Adjust the baking time accordingly (they will bake faster).

Q5: How long will the bread stay fresh?
A5: This bread is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. After that, it might start to dry out. You can also freeze it to enjoy later!

Q6: Can I freeze this bread after baking?
A6: Yes! After baking and cooling, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Q7: Can I add nuts to this bread?
A7: Definitely! Chopped pistachios or almonds would add a nice crunch and flavor to the bread. Just sprinkle them over the dough before you braid it, or mix them into the dough.

Q8: Is this bread gluten-free?
A8: No, this bread is not gluten-free. You could try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be different.

Q9: What can I use instead of eggs in this bread?
A9: You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer to make this bread vegan-friendly, though the texture may change slightly.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in plastic wrap and foil.

Conclusion

This Italian Ricotta Easter Bread is a perfect addition to your Easter celebration, offering a delightful balance of sweetness, fluffiness, and tradition. Its soft texture and delicate flavor will win over everyone at your table—don’t forget the colorful glaze and sprinkles for that extra pop! Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet moment with a slice, this bread will make your Easter unforgettable. Happy baking!

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