As long as I can remember, my mamma would make an Italian Easter Bread {Corona pasquale}. She would twist long ropes of dough and then pinch the ends to form a ring. She then would nestle colored eggs in between the ropes.
Jump to:
Meaning of the Easter bread
When I asked why she made our Italian Easter bread that way, she explained that the crown represented the crown of thorns on Christ's head. The eggs represented rebirth -- Christ rising from the dead after the third day.
On the Italian Easter table, bread has a religious significance -- Christ is often referred to as "the bread of life." This is a time for rejoicing. After the 40 days in Lent, it's time to celebrate. . . . nature is coming to life all around us.
Italian Easter tradition
I remember getting Easter greeting cards from our relatives in Italy. They usually consisted of little fuzzy chicks and a basket of eggs.
My mamma and papa would always comment -- Ecco! L'ouva va con il pulcino no con il coniglietto, non è giusto { There! The eggs goes with the chick not the bunny, that's not right}.
I really never got into it with them. How was I supposed to explain to them that the rabbit is known as an extremely fertile creature and it symbolized the coming of spring? So, I just kept quiet and let them ponder why Americans did it this way.
The basis for the Easter bread
The recipe I used for the Italian Easter bread is not quite like mamma made. Her bread's texture was more like a brioche. She never wrote down recipes -- they were all in her head.
Nevertheless, this recipe is very good and it's also easy to make whereas brioche can sometimes be a little bit more challenging.
If you're want to sample a classic Italian Easter bread, you have to make this Italian Easter Meat Pie. It's loaded with meat and cheese and practically a meal in itself.
A family Easter tradition
Celebrating Easter has always been a family affair for us, although in Italy it isn't as family centered as Christmas. There is an old saying:" Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi" { Christmas at home with your family, Easter with whomever you please.
I simply can't imagine wanting to spend Easter with anyone other than my family. 🙂
The Ave Maria is one of my parents favorite. I've included this rendition, which is absolutely beautiful, if you'd like to listen, here it is:
And here is an Italian Mother's Day Card with Music for all beautiful mammas and nonnas.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima!
📖 Recipe
Italian Easter Bread with Colored Eggs
Ingredients
Starter
- 1 cup 120 grams Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup 113 gramscool water
- ⅛ teaspoon instant yeast
Dough
- 2 ¼ cups 269 grams Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ⅓ cup 67 grams granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons 57 grams unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract + ¼ teaspoon orange oil { I used ¼ teaspoon Fiori di Sicilia}*
- ¼ teaspoon ground anise seed
- grated peel of 1 large orange
- 6 dyed raw eggs - they will cook as the bread bakes
Glaze
- 1 cup 113 grams confectioners' sugar, sifter
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons 23 - 43 grams orange juice
- decorating sugar for sprinkling on top -- can also use nonpareils for decorating
Instructions
- Mix the starter ingredients, cover the bowl, and let rest at room temperature overnight, or for up to 15 hours.
- Next day, combine the bubbly starter with all the remaining dough ingredients. Mix and knead, using a mixer or bread machine, until the dough is elastic and satiny. I don't recommend preparing the dough by hand because it is sticky and challenging to bring together.
- Grease a large bowl and let the dough rise for 1 to 2 hours, until it's noticeably puffy.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly greased surface, divide it into two pieces and shape each piece into a 20 inch long rope. Twist the two ropes together and pinch the ends to form a wreath (crown).
- Place the wreath (crown) on a parchment lined baking sheet and cover and allow it to rise until puffy, about 1-2 hours. Toward the end of the rising time preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Before placing in the oven, gently spread the rope strands apart and place a dyed egg in between them. Space the eggs evenly around the crown.
- Bake the crown for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven heat to 350 F and bake for an additional 20 minutes, tenting it for the final 10 minutes of baking. The finished loaf will be golden brown, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will register at least 190 F.
- Remove the crown from the oven, and transfer it to a rack to cool.
- To make the glaze: Stir together the sugar and 2 Tablespoons orange juice.Add more liquid ¼ teaspoon at a time, until the glaze is thin and pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze onto the cooled braid, then decorate with the sugar crystals or sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
- * Fiori di Sicilia is a flavoring sold by King Arthur Flour. It is excellent, I also use it in my Panettone recipe.
- You can eat the eggs but if you intend to let the bread sit out for several hours -- refrigerate the eggs and then eat them later.
- There is a disparity in rising times because rich dough sometimes take longer -- just look how it's rising and let that be your guide.
- This recipe was adapted on the Easter Bread Wreath recipe on the King Arthur Blog.
Nutrition
Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!
We'll never share your email or send you spam. PromiseNote: Recipes and content from All Our Way ©2017 All Our Way are copyright protected. Please do not use content or recipe without prior written permission. If you want to share the information, please link to this post. Grazie .
Jennifer Wise
This is beautiful! I love knowing the history of the bread, too. I want to make it for Easter!
(coming to you from Grammy's Grid)
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Visiting again to say thanks so much for linking up with me at the Unlimited Monthly Link Party 23. Pinned!
Moop Brown
Had never previously heard of this recipe but it looks super fun and perfect for the Easter holiday. Thank you for sharing.
Addison
This Easter bread is just so fun and festive! Such a great fun activity to do with kids too!
Kari Heron
This is such a fun recipe to make with kids for the Easter holidays so I am happy I stumbled upon it!
Kate
Many thanks for sharing this. What a great idea. It looks sooo great. I love the eggs in the dow. I will be trying this very soon indeed.
Heidy M
I love coming to your blog and reading all the beautiful stories about your recipes. I know some people want the recipe and pass up on this. To me, I love reading tidbits-hints-tricks- where the recipe came from. I like that info because I want to know if the recipe is authentic and trustworthy. Your Italian Easter Bread was terrific, and my mom loved it too! Happy Sunday!
Veronika Sykorova
This is so cool! I've seen this bread before but never knew how it works with the dyed eggs baked into it. I really want to try it this Easter now!
Helen
This looks incredible, don't think I've ever seen such colourful bread. I love Easter baking and sure I will have lots of fun making and eating this bread soon. Thank you for sharing!
Lauren Vavala
What a fun festive looking bread recipe. My kids will surely get a kick out of this! I can't believe growing up in an Italian family, that no one has ever made this before. I definitely need to try it!
dishnthekitchen
It must be so challenging for you to always try to convert your momma's recipes, though I must say I think you have the knack for it. For what it's worth I always thought the Easter Bunny was strange too!
Gloria
This is presentation perfect. What a fun holiday recipe. Homemade bread is the best. My baba was a wonderful baker. I need to give this a try. I know the grandkids would love to see this on the table.
Dana
I absolutely love the beautiful story behind this bread and it is absolutely delicious!
Jenny
Your Italian Easter bread is gorgeous. I love it! Bookmarking the post because I am definitely making it this Easter. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe!
Christine
This looks SO yummy! I've always wanted to make an Easter bread but still haven't. I'm definitely saving this!
Marisa Franca
I'm sure you'll love the bread, Christine. It's delicious!!
Debbye
This is the most amazing bread I've ever seen. What a unique idea!
Jenni LeBaron
This is gorgeous. I love the sentiment behind it and the fact that you grew up with this dish as a child.
Veronika's Kitchen
What a beautiful and festive bread! I never tried to make it myself, but definitely should) Great recipe!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Veronika! Happy Easter.
Tamara
What a stunning post Marisa! I love hearing food stories, and this one was particularly meaningful to me on the day before Resurrection Sunday! The Easter Bread is just lovely, and you're right, that rendition of Ave Maria is gorgeous! Happy Easter!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Tamara! The Ave Maria was my mamma and papà's favorite! It is beautiful
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
This is so pretty! I've never seen anything like this before, but I love the story behind it! So perfect for Easter morning!
Analida @ ethnicspoon.com
I love the bread and the story of your family tradition for Easter! Our tradition in Panama was similar with a popular braided sweet bread without the eggs. Happy Easter to you and your family!
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
This Italian Easter bread is sooooo beautiful and festive! I have never heard of this recipe before but I am so glad I discovered it!
Jessica Robinson
This looks so good and perfect timing with Easter being this coming weekend! I remember my grandmother making Easter breads like this one!
Sharon
What a unique recipe for Easter but it makes a beautiful presentation for the holiday table.
Claire
What a beautiful dish! Such a stunning centrepiece for an Easter supper.
I can't wait to give it a go....my boys are going to love it.
p.s I struggle with so many of the traditional symbols of Easter, as here in Australia Easter is in Autumn !!!!
Renee
If this is half as yummy as it is beautiful, I'm going to be in trouble!
Marisa Franca
It's delicious, Renee. A special treat for a special holiday.
Grammy Dee | Grammy's Grid
Very unique, never seen anything like it before! Looks and sounds tasty! I shared your post onto Fb, G+, Pn, and Tw.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Dee! I really apprecialte it.
Clearissa
What a wonderful post Marisa. I love the traditions. My family always had and I still prepare a family Easter dinner. I don't do the colored Easter eggs anymore. I cannot remember when I stopped doing that. I got a chuckle out of the fact that you chose not to try to explain the rabbit's place in Easter in America. 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Clearissa! Tradtions are great -- I'm glad to see my kids carrying them on. Have a wonderful day!!
Teresa
I think this is delightful looking! I'm going to try it this Easter. I know that my grandchildren will be amazed at the eggs in the bread. Thank you for sharing your wonderful family stories. Stopping by from our Blogging Grandmothers group and sharing on social media.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Teresa. Your grandchildren will be delighted by the Easter bread.
Amy
How interesting! I've never seen this before! Love the story behind it.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Amy! I certainly enjoy talking about our traditions.
Nancy W
Love reading about your tradition! Plus what a beautiful loaf.
- Nancy
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Nancy! I miss having my folks around -- doesn't seem quite the same. ????
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
What a beautiful bread! Thank you for the recipe. (pinning) I loved hearing about your family's lovely Easter Traditions! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Marci! It's the traditions that makes holidays special, don't you think?
Kimberly
I have made a similar bread for my Easter Celebrations, but yours sounds more delicious! So excited to try it! Thank you for sharing your story and your recipe. Have a blessed Easter.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Kimberly. Thank you for commenting. Blessings for a wonderful Easter.
Ciao Chow Linda
Marisa - You did a beautiful job. I grew up having this at Easter and made it for the first few years after my kids were born.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Linda! I hate the thought of some of our traditions going by the wayside! Buona Dominica.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
My mom made this every easter. I almost forgot about it. Thanks for bringing it back to the forefront of my mind. Now, I have to make it!
Jovina Coughlin
Such a great looking breakfast cake that certainly says Easter.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Jovina! Does your family have a traditional dish for Easter?
Frank
Lovely! I make a savory Easter bread from Naples called "casatiello" but this really does take the cake. Literally...
Marisa Franca
Grazie, Frank! I hope you have the casatiello on your blog. I'd love to try your recipe.
Elizabeth | Ellie & Elizabeth
Wow Marisa! How neat is this?? I've never seen anything like this in the hills of KY, lol! This sounds so good and I'm sure Bear would love to make it with me!! (He's the true chef in the family haha!) Thanks!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Elizabeth. Now, I would love to see a monthly feature -- Bear (Bare) Cooking. That would be so cute. Some of his favorite recipe. I can even see Ellie with a chef's hat. 🙂
Christine
I just read the Braided Easter bread post of That Skinny Chick can bake and now yours. I have so many options now, I don't know which one to make. Perhaps, I'll try both just for fun, and because they both look so delicious. 😀 Thanks for sharing! P.S. Is that Olivia Hussey in that video clip? 🙂
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Christine! Well, you'll have to tell us how you liked the bread. And as far as Olivia Hussey goes, I'm not sure but I believe you may be right. I thought it was so beautifully done. Buona Pasqua! Abbracci!
Molly Kumar
This looks gorgeous Marisa. I'm always in awe of easter bread with eggs as I've never tried making them yet but you made it look so simple that I'm so ready to try this cutie at home. Great recipe.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Molly! I hope you try it. It really isn't hard to make. I can't wait to do it again this year!
Heather
This bread is absolutely gorgeous! And when a lovely story about your grandmother. This is absolutely perfect for Easter and the color of those eggs are gorgeous.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Heather. I'll be making it again this year.
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
Every year I plan to make this - and forget. It's SO pretty and looks so festive. My kids would love this!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Kylee! You'll have to make it. If you do, let me know how you like.
Noel Lizotte
Now I understand the secret to making this bread ... I never knew how the eggs worked - they always look so pretty.
I got a chuckle out of the Italian concept of eggs = chicks = Easter. I'm sure many folks wonder about that crazy Bunny.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Noel! It was a head scratcher for my folks. It is amazing how the eggs cooks as the break bakes.
Byron Thomas
Marisa, that looks delicious and so cute too! The one thing I miss most about my Italian ex is the authentic Italian food. 🙂
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Byron! I can't imagine a smart Italian woman letting a good man in the kitchen escape. 🙂
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
This is such a great recipe for Easter Brunch. So cute and I love how you have the Easter eggs nestled in the bread. I think it's great how you're keeping this tradition in your Family 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Stephanie! Whenever I make one of my mamma's recipe, it makes me feel as if she is in the kitchen with me. :-))
Christine McMichael
Such a beautiful Easter bread! My family would absolutely love this. Saving and pinning!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Christine! When you make it, et me know how you like the recipe.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
It is very interesting to see how every family celebrate their festivals. This bread has left me speechless. I have never seen anything like this and I love how the little eggs are peaking out of the bread. Happy Easter to you and your family!
Veena Azmanov
This is such a cool Idea Marisa. I think my kids would be so fascinated with all those colored Easter Eggs around in the bread
Adriana Lopez Martn
Such a classic for Easter brunch. I am not an expert baker so I am afraid of making it but I will try since yoru recipe looks fabulous.
Marisa Franca
You really don't have to be an expert baker, Adriana. You're selling yourself short. You'll have to experiment sometime and see how it goes. 🙂
Leah
I love how pretty and colorful this bread is! It sounds so tasty, and so perfect for spring and Easter, lovely!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Leah! It is just a little something special for breakfast.
ManilaSpoon
Wow! That is one gorgeous bread!! I can imagine my kids totally going crazy for these especially when they see those colored eggs! Yummy easter treat! 🙂
Marisa Franca
I'll be making it again this year as well as my Pinza! I'll give the crown to the grandkids.
Pam
This looks so good! I have never seen an Easter bread like this before but it's so pretty and perfect for spring.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Pam. It is an Italian tradition as well as the Pinza that my mamma made.
Just Jo
Oh I have always wanted to make a colomba pasquale but haven't tried one yet. I will definitely try your recipe - I am loving the use of a poolish (a favourite bread technique of mine) and I have all the extracts in (I love Italian baking!) including the Fiori di Sicilia! 😀 #excited
Marisa Franca
That's fantastic, Jo! Let me know how you like it. I'm a bread baker at heart. I would live in the kitchen just to bake bread!! But man can't live by bread alone -- heh!heh! I could. 🙂 I've got a sourdough starter at home right now (I'm going to see if I can resuscitate it. I've really neglected it since we travel so much.
Immaculate
Easter bread with eggs is something I have never thought of making. Now I seriously do. It would be something fun to do with my son.Thanks for sharing Marisa
Marisa Franca
You're welcome Immaculate! You will have a great time making the bread with your son. When my kids were little they used to help me paint cookies. I loved baking with them. All three of my kids love to cook.
Sara @ Life's Little Sweets
Thank you for sharing your story about your Grandmother and family. I have always been curious about this kind of bread, I just might have to give it a try, Easter is coming up, I pinned this to my Bread love board.
Marisa Franca
Hi Sara! I hope you do make it -- it really is very easy to make.
Willow
I am vegan, but my mom is going to love this recipe! It is so colorful and festive!
Marisa Franca
Hello Willow! Let me know if she tries the recipe and how she likes it.
Renee
What a yummy looking bread! Is this something you would serve for breakfast or as a snack?
Marisa Franca
Hello Renee! You could have this at any time. It isn't overly sweet although Italians will have it for dessert.
Simply Suzannes at Home
Dear Marisa,
I wanted to come by to say thank you so much for leaving such kind comments. I appreciate every one of them!
I fell in love with photography over the last few years. I've never had formal training . . . just lots of practice.
I've never thought of giving lessons or a tutorial, because I feel like such an amateur! I'm a BIG believer in photographing in natural light.
I have two cameras . . . an OLD Nikon D70 (which I LOVE, and take ALL my photos with) and a new Canon EOS 70D.
I'm still learning the new camera, and maybe one day I'll migrate all my photo-taking to that one . . . but for now, my heart belongs to my Nikon. We know each other well :0) !!
Your blog has so many wonderful dishes! I'm anxious to look around and find some inspiration!
Again, thank you for your support and kindness!
Have a wonderful week,
Suzanne
Marisa Franca
Thank you for stopping by! You are a true inspiration like I commented.
Jovina Coughlin
How beautiful marisa and the cake looks just like it is supposed to look. It is so nice to keep cultural traditions going.
Marisa Franca
Thank you Jovina! I do love tradition and I am thinking of more things I can share with the grandsons.
Ambra Sancin
Love these cakes. My mother never made them, but I've eaten similar ones made by Greeks in a large plait shape. Last year I bought some little black moustache transfers to put on hard-boiled egg shells. I'm going to experiment with them this Easter. Ciao,
Marisa Franca
Let me know how it goes!!
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen
Wow, Marisa looks delicious. I have one that I make too, but yours looks amazing. I will be trying yours. Have a great day.
Marisa Franca
I've been making it for quite a few years and it is delicious for breakfast.