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St. Patrick’s Day Easter Bread is a festive, slightly sweet bread that’s perfect for both St. Patrick’s Day and Easter celebrations! This recipe combines the comfort of homemade bread with a slight sweetness, making it a delicious addition to your holiday table. Here’s how to make it:
St. Patrick’s Day Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F) and sugar. Stir to dissolve. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs.
- Stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not overly sticky.
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Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also do this in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
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Let the Dough Rise:
- 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 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. If you’d like, you can also create a traditional braided Easter bread by dividing the dough into three equal portions and braiding them together.
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Let It Rise Again:
- Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. Cover it again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Dried Fruit: You can add dried fruit like raisins or currants to the dough for extra sweetness.
- Topping: For an extra touch, you can brush the top of the loaf with a simple egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water, whisked) before baking to give it a golden sheen.
This St. Patrick’s Day Easter Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re serving it with a meal or enjoying it as a snack, it’s sure to be a hit! 🍞🌸
