Delicious Almond Easter Bread

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Delicious Almond Easter Bread.

1. Step 1

   Start by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in warm water in a measuring cup. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and give it a gentle stir. Let it sit in a warm spot until it becomes frothy and doubles in size, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. This is your yeast activation moment!

2. Step 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup of sugar, 2 raw eggs, salt, the frothy yeast mixture, milk, and 3 cups of flour. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes to develop that lovely gluten. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until the dough is shiny, soft, and elastic—this should take around 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.

3. Step 3

   While the dough is chilling, prepare the butter. Place sticks of butter between two large pieces of waxed paper, leaving an inch of space between them. Roll the butter into a square about 12 inches on each side. Once done, place the butter square on a baking sheet and freeze it for 15 minutes.

4. Step 4

   After the dough has chilled, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Roll it into an 18-inch square, making sure to sprinkle flour as needed to prevent sticking. Carefully peel off the top layer of waxed paper from the butter square and place it in the center of the dough, waxed paper side up. Fold the top and bottom points of the dough over the butter, then fold the left and right points over as well, pinching the seams to seal the butter inside.

5. Step 5

   Now, roll this dough envelope out into a 12 by 24-inch rectangle. Fold it in half to create a 12 by 12-inch square, then fold it in half again to make a 6 by 12-inch square with four layers of butter. Chill this dough for about 5 minutes, then roll it out again to a 12 by 24-inch rectangle and repeat the folding process. Chill once more, and then roll and fold one last time. Refrigerate the dough for at least another hour or overnight for the best results.

6. Step 6

   When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut the dough into two pieces, revealing those beautiful buttery layers. On a floured surface, roll one piece into a 30 by 9-inch rectangle and cut it into three long strips, each measuring 30 by 3 inches.

7. Step 7

   In a bowl, mix the almond filling with 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of sugar. Spread half of this filling down the center of each of the three strips. Fold the strips over the filling lengthwise and pinch the edges to seal in the deliciousness. Braid the three ropes together and shape them into a ring, pinching the ends to secure. Repeat this process with the second piece of dough and the remaining filling to create another braided ring.

8. Step 8

   Place the braided pastries on the prepared baking sheets, reshaping them into symmetrical rings if needed. Nestle three hard-cooked Easter eggs between the braids on top of each pastry. Brush the entire surface, including the eggs, with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with additional sugar and sliced almonds for that extra crunch and sweetness.

9. Step 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pastries are beautifully browned and crisp. Let them cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Almond Easter Bread!