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Tender Easter Bread Recipe Easy Homemade Sweet Spiced Bread with Candied Fruit

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A tender, sweet spiced Easter bread with candied fruit, featuring a soft crumb and cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Perfect for holiday brunches and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • ¾ cup (120 g) mixed candied citrus peel, chopped
  • ½ cup (75 g) golden raisins
  • For the glaze (optional):
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F / 43°C) with the granulated sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
  4. Make the dough: Pour the yeast mixture and egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together; it will be a bit sticky.
  5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 6 minutes. Add flour sparingly if too sticky.
  6. Add the candied fruit and raisins: Gently fold in the chopped candied fruit and golden raisins evenly.
  7. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
  8. Shape the bread: Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf or round, and place in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Second rise: Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  11. Cool and glaze: Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. If desired, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over the bread.

Notes

Use King Arthur flour for best texture. For gluten-free, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure yeast is gluten-free. For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter. Keep kitchen warm during rising to help yeast activity. Avoid overbaking to keep bread moist. Dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter bread, sweet bread, spiced bread, candied fruit bread, homemade bread, holiday bread, cinnamon bread, nutmeg bread

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/tender-easter-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-sweet-spiced-bread-with-candied-fruit/