This fluffy Easter bread is a celebration in every slice soft, lightly sweet, filled with raisins, and topped with colorful sprinkles. As a chef, it’s one of my favorite seasonal bakes. There’s something magical about watching the dough rise, brushing on that shiny egg wash, and seeing it turn golden in the oven. Whether you’re making this for a brunch table or gifting it to family, this bread is a heartfelt homemade tradition.
And here’s the best part it’s so simple to make! No fancy equipment, no complicated steps just a touch of patience and a love for baking. The scent alone while it bakes is enough to make your kitchen feel like spring.
“Homemade Easter bread is like a warm hug from your childhood sweet, soft, and full of joy.” – @SeasonalBakesDaily
Why You’ll Love This Easter Bread
- Festive and colorful – Sprinkles on top make it perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Soft, fluffy texture – Thanks to warm milk, butter, and a proper rise.
- Perfectly sweet – Not overly sugary, making it ideal for breakfast or dessert.
- Kid-friendly – Let the little ones decorate with sprinkles or shape the dough.
- Versatile – Add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, citrus zest, or chocolate chips.
Looking for more festive bakes? Try our easy cinnamon rolls or homemade fluffy doughnuts for crowd-pleasing treats any time of year.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Step by Step Instructions
1: Activate the Yeast
- Dissolve the yeast in warm milk (not hot!) and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2: Form the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add in melted butter, eggs, and the yeast-milk mixture.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3: Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour.
4: Add Raisins and Shape
- Punch down the dough and gently knead in raisins.
- Shape into a round loaf and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
5: Decorate and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the loaf with egg wash and top with sprinkles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
6: Cool and Enjoy
- Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
“This is the kind of bread that doesn’t last a day in my house it’s devoured while still warm!” – @HolidayHomeBakery
Creative Variations
- Chocolate chips: Swap raisins for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
- Lemon zest: Add citrus brightness by mixing in zest of one lemon.
- Coconut flakes: Fold in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for tropical flair.
- Braid it: Divide the dough into 3 strands and braid before baking for a classic Italian Easter look.
If you enjoy flavor-packed doughs, check out our soft milk brioche or vanilla pound cake both bring indulgent softness with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions
- For breakfast: Serve warm with a smear of butter and honey or fruit preserves.
- For dessert: Drizzle with a simple glaze or pair with whipped cream and berries.
- As a gift: Wrap cooled bread in parchment and twine for a thoughtful holiday treat.
Want to build a full Easter brunch menu? Pair this bread with fluffy egg cups or zucchini patties for a savory-sweet combo.
How to Make Your Easter Bread Extra Special
Tips for a More Festive Finish
What makes Easter bread truly stand out is the festive flair you add. While the base recipe is already soft and beautifully golden, small touches can take it from delicious to unforgettable. In my own kitchen, I often tweak this bread depending on who I’m baking for or how I want it to feel homey, luxurious, or playful. Here’s how you can elevate it:
- Add dyed eggs: Traditionally, whole dyed (uncooked) eggs are nestled into the braided dough before baking. They cook in the oven and make a stunning presentation.
- Use shaped molds: Try baking the dough in a festive bundt pan or braid it into a wreath for centerpiece-style bread.
- Make mini versions: Divide the dough into smaller rounds or twists for adorable, giftable individual loaves.
- Top with icing: For a sweeter dessert-style bread, drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf and sprinkle with crushed pastel candies.
“Easter bread isn’t just food it’s an expression of love and tradition on the table.” – @FamilyFeastBaker
If you love giving your bakes a personal twist, don’t miss our homemade Nutella doughnuts or the delightfully rich Reese’s caramel cheesecake both perfect for holiday menus.
How to Work with Raisins and Mix-Ins
Mix-ins can take your Easter bread from basic to brilliant but they need to be added thoughtfully. Raisins are a traditional choice, adding chewiness and natural sweetness, but they can sometimes sink or clump. Here’s how I make sure they shine every time:
- Soak raisins in warm water or orange juice for 10-15 minutes before using. This plumps them up and prevents them from drawing moisture out of the dough.
- Dry thoroughly before kneading them in to avoid excess moisture.
- Fold gently into the dough after the first rise to keep the structure intact.
You can swap raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots or go bold with cinnamon sugar swirls or mini chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat.
What to Serve with Easter Bread
One of the joys of Easter bread is how versatile it is. It pairs well with sweet and savory dishes, making it a star player at brunch or a satisfying snack on its own. Here are some pairing ideas to round out your menu:
- With a spread: Butter, honey, apricot jam, or lemon curd all complement the bread’s gentle sweetness.
- With eggs: Serve slices alongside egg muffins or spinach quiche for a hearty brunch plate.
- As French toast: Day-old slices make the best French toast. Dip in egg-milk mixture, fry until golden, and top with berries.
- For dessert: Toast lightly and serve with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
“The best breads aren’t just eaten they’re shared. With butter, with stories, and with love.” – @BakeWithHeart
If you’re in the mood for more sweet breads, try our pineapple quick bread or explore how a simple batter turns divine in our orange blender cake.
How to Make a Braided Easter Bread Wreath
For a true showstopper, shaping this dough into a braided wreath brings a beautiful, rustic touch to your holiday table. Here’s how I do it for festive flair:
- After the first rise, divide the dough into three equal parts.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 16 inches long.
- Braid the ropes together gently, pinching the ends to seal.
- Form a ring with the braid and pinch the ends together to close.
- Place dyed eggs into the braid before the second rise if using.
Brush with egg wash, decorate with sprinkles or sesame seeds, and bake as usual. This version looks amazing in the center of a brunch spread and makes a great edible gift!
Looking to build your baking confidence? Try shaping our versatile crazy dough into a braided wreath or festive rolls it’s foolproof and forgiving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 1 slice from 12 servings)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients no need to proof in milk. Just reduce rise times slightly as instant yeast acts faster.
What kind of sprinkles work best?
Use colorful nonpareils or jimmies. Avoid large sugar crystals as they can melt during baking. For Easter flair, pastel-colored sprinkles are perfect!
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap butter for melted coconut oil or vegan margarine.
Why is my bread dense?
This often happens if the dough didn’t rise enough or the yeast was expired. Always let it double in size and ensure your yeast is active and your milk is warm (not hot).
Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely. Wrap the fully cooled loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and warm before serving.
“Every loaf tells a story and Easter bread tells one of celebration, family, and sweetness.” – @TraditionTastesBetter