Description
This delightful Easter Bread is a soft and fragrant Orange Almond Sweet Bread, perfect for festive gatherings and brunches with a sweet almond finish.
Ingredients
Scale
1½ cups whole milk
6 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ tsp almond extract
â…” cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp orange zest
4½ tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp kosher salt
6 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 large egg for topping
1 tbsp cold water
1 cup honey roasted sliced almonds
1 tbsp pastel sprinkles
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until warm and the butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk mixture, granulated sugar, orange zest, yeast, and kosher salt. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add 3 cups of flour and the beaten eggs to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
- Add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, kneading after each addition, until the dough is soft and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf or braid.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and cold water and brush over the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle the honey roasted almonds and pastel sprinkles on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add more orange zest or a drizzle of icing on top once cooled. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread / Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Easter Bread, Orange Almond Sweet Bread, festive bread, holiday baking, almond bread