Name: Lemon Easter Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 9
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¾ cup warm water; 2 tbsp warm water; 2 tbsp butter; 2 eggs; 2 tbsp lemon extract; 3½ cups bread flour; ½ cup white sugar; 1 tbsp active dry yeast

Elevate your traditional Easter celebration with this delightful lemon Easter bread. With its zesty lemon extract and fluffy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat, this bread is a lovely addition to your holiday table.

Photos of Lemon Easter Bread Recipe

When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up a few specific ingredients. Lemon extract is essential for achieving that bright, citrusy flavor, and bread flour provides the necessary strength and texture for the dough. Make sure to check your pantry for active dry yeast, which is crucial for the bread's rise.

Ingredients For Lemon Easter Bread

Warm water: Used to activate the yeast and ensure the dough is the right consistency.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the bread.

Eggs: Provide structure and help the bread rise.

Lemon extract: Gives the bread its distinctive lemon flavor.

Bread flour: Essential for the bread’s structure, making it light and fluffy.

White sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast.

Active dry yeast: Necessary for the bread to rise and become airy.

One reader, Kyrstin Devore says:

This lemon Easter bread is delightful! The lemon extract adds a refreshing twist, and the bread turns out perfectly soft and fluffy. It’s easy to make with a bread machine, and the aroma while baking is heavenly. Perfect for a festive brunch!

Kyrstin Devore

Techniques Required for Making Lemon Easter Bread

How to use a bread machine: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for adding ingredients in the correct order and selecting the appropriate dough setting. How to grease cake pans: Use butter, oil, or non-stick spray to coat the inside of the cake pans to prevent the dough from sticking. How to roll dough into balls: Shape each piece of dough into a smooth, round ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling it gently between your hands. How to let dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and place it in a warm, draft-free area to allow it to rise until it has doubled in size.

How To Make Lemon Easter Bread

Serve a wonderful holiday dish with this lemon easter bread. Made in a bread machine, the dough bakes into a soft and light bread that’s perfectly brown.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Rise Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupwarm water,(100 degrees F)
2tbspwarm water,(100 degrees F)
2tbspbutter,softened
2eggs,at room temperature
2tbsplemon extract
3½cupsbread flour
½cupwhite sugar
1tbspactive dry yeast

Instructions

Pour both amounts of warm water into a bread machine and add butter, eggs, lemon extract, bread flour, sugar, and yeast in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough setting and start the machine.
Grease 3 8-inch round cake pans.
Remove dough when the cycle is finished, then cut dough into 3 equal-sized pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball and place into a prepared cake pan; cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake loaves in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned.

Nutrition

Calories: 276.81kcal
Fat: 4.46g
Saturated Fat: 2.06g
Trans Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.15g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.67g
Carbohydrates: 50.65g
Fiber: 1.72g
Sugar: 11.36g
Protein: 8.18g
Cholesterol: 42.33mg
Sodium: 16.75mg
Calcium: 16.07mg
Potassium: 84.24mg
Iron: 2.57mg
Vitamin A: 36.90µg
Vitamin C: 1.56mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Lemon Easter Bread Recipe

To ensure your bread rises perfectly, make sure the water is warm but not hot, ideally between 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range activates the yeast without killing it, leading to a better rise and fluffier texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Lemon Easter Bread

Use a stand mixer: If you don't have a bread machine, a stand mixer with a dough hook can save time and effort.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Proof in a warm oven: Speed up the rising time by placing the dough in a slightly warm oven.

Use parchment paper: Line the cake pans with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Double the recipe: Make a double batch and freeze one loaf for later to save time on future baking.

Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Easter Bread Recipe

¾ cup warm water - Substitute with ¾ cup milk: Milk adds richness and a slight sweetness to the dough, enhancing the flavor and texture.
2 tbsp warm water - Substitute with 2 tbsp orange juice: Orange juice adds a citrusy note that complements the lemon flavor while providing the necessary liquid.
2 tbsp butter - Substitute with 2 tbsp coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with lemon.
2 eggs - Substitute with ½ cup applesauce: Applesauce can replace eggs to add moisture and a hint of sweetness, making the bread slightly denser.
2 tbsp lemon extract - Substitute with 2 tbsp lemon zest and juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide a more natural and intense lemon flavor.
3½ cups bread flour - Substitute with 3½ cups all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used, though the texture may be slightly less chewy compared to bread flour.
½ cup white sugar - Substitute with ½ cup honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, giving the bread a slightly different but pleasant flavor.
1 tbsp active dry yeast - Substitute with 1 tbsp instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used directly without proofing and will provide a similar rise and texture.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Easter Bread

Shape the dough artistically: After the dough has risen, shape each piece into an elegant, braided form to create a visually appealing presentation. This adds a touch of sophistication to the lemon Easter bread.
Use a glaze: Prepare a light lemon glaze using lemon juice and powdered sugar. Brush it over the freshly baked bread to give it a glossy finish and enhance the lemon flavor.
Garnish with zest: Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the glazed bread. This not only adds a burst of color but also intensifies the lemon aroma.
Serve with accompaniments: Pair the lemon Easter bread with a side of whipped butter or lemon curd. These accompaniments complement the bread and provide a luxurious touch.
Use elegant plating: Place the bread on a pristine white plate or a rustic wooden board. Add a few edible flowers or fresh herbs around the bread to elevate the presentation.
Slice strategically: When serving, slice the bread into even, delicate pieces. This ensures each portion looks uniform and inviting.
Add a touch of gold: For an extra touch of luxury, lightly dust the bread with edible gold powder. This adds a subtle shimmer and elevates the overall presentation to a Michelin-star level.

Essential Tools for Making Lemon Easter Bread

Bread machine: Used to mix and knead the dough automatically, ensuring a consistent texture and rise.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the warm water, bread flour, and sugar to ensure the recipe's success.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the butter, lemon extract, and active dry yeast precisely.
Cake pans: Three 8-inch round pans are needed to shape and bake the bread.
Knife: Used to cut the dough into three equal-sized pieces after the dough cycle is complete.
Rolling pin: Helps in shaping each piece of dough into a ball before placing them in the cake pans.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dough balls in the cake pans to let them rise for an hour.
Oven: Preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to bake the loaves.
Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing and removing the cake pans from the hot oven.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked loaves to cool evenly after baking.

Storing and Freezing Lemon Easter Bread

Allow the lemon easter bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing.
To store, place the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the bread:
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen lemon easter bread:
- Remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the bread at room temperature for about 2-3 hours.
To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you prefer a softer crust, you can brush the top of the bread with a little melted butter before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Easter Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover lemon easter bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat the bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through and the crust is crispy again. This method helps to restore the bread's original texture and keeps it moist.
If you prefer a softer crust, wrap the lemon easter bread in a damp paper towel before placing it in the aluminum foil. The moisture from the paper towel will help to soften the crust as it reheats.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place a slice of lemon easter bread in the toaster or toaster oven. Toast it for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method works best for individual slices rather than the whole loaf.
If you have a microwave-safe dish with a lid, place the leftover lemon easter bread inside and cover it with the lid. Microwave the bread on high for 30-45 seconds, or until it's heated through. The lid helps to trap the moisture, preventing the bread from drying out.
For a unique twist, cut the leftover lemon easter bread into thick slices and use them to make French toast. Dip the slices in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, then cook them in a skillet with butter until they're golden brown on both sides. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Interesting Fact About Lemon Easter Bread

A random fact about this recipe is that the lemon extract adds a refreshing citrus flavor to the bread, making it a perfect treat for Easter celebrations.

Is Making Lemon Easter Bread at Home Cost-Effective?

This lemon Easter bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like bread flour, white sugar, and eggs, the total cost is approximately $5-$7. The lemon extract might be a bit pricier, but it’s used sparingly. Overall, the recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness, making it an affordable and delightful addition to your holiday table.

Is Lemon Easter Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?

The lemon easter bread recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest choice due to its high sugar and refined flour content. The recipe calls for ½ cup of white sugar and 3½ cups of bread flour, which are both processed ingredients that can contribute to blood sugar spikes and provide minimal nutritional value. Additionally, the recipe uses butter, which is high in saturated fat and should be consumed in moderation.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar by half or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
Replace the butter with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or coconut oil
Add in some grated lemon zest to enhance the lemon flavor without relying on artificial lemon extract
Incorporate some nuts or seeds, such as almonds or chia seeds, to boost the protein and healthy fat content of the bread

By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of the lemon easter bread that still satisfies your taste buds while providing some added health benefits.

Editor's Opinion on the Lemon Easter Bread Recipe

This lemon Easter bread recipe is straightforward and user-friendly, especially with the use of a bread machine. The lemon extract adds a refreshing twist to the traditional bread, making it perfect for spring celebrations. However, I would suggest adding a lemon glaze or zest to enhance the citrus flavor further. The baking time is relatively short, ensuring a soft and tender crumb. Overall, it's a delightful recipe that balances simplicity with a touch of elegance, ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.

Enhance Your Lemon Easter Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Imagine the vibrant green stalks of asparagus, roasted to perfection, and kissed with a hint of lemon zest. This dish brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lemon Easter bread, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Honey-Glazed Carrots: Picture tender carrots, lovingly glazed with a sweet honey coating and a touch of butter. The natural sweetness of the carrots, enhanced by the honey, complements the citrusy notes of the bread, making each bite a delightful experience.

Spring Pea and Mint Soup: Envision a bowl of vibrant green soup, made from the freshest spring peas and infused with the cool, refreshing taste of mint. This light and invigorating soup serves as a perfect starter, setting the stage for the lemony goodness of the Easter bread.

Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops: Think of succulent lamb chops, encrusted with a medley of fresh herbs and garlic. The savory, aromatic flavors of the lamb provide a hearty counterpoint to the sweet and tangy bread, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies all your senses.

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote: Visualize a luscious compote made from juicy strawberries and tart rhubarb. This vibrant, fruity side dish adds a burst of color and a delightful tartness that pairs beautifully with the lemony essence of the Easter bread, making for a truly memorable dessert.

Similar Recipes to Lemon Easter Bread

Orange Glazed Sweet Bread: Imagine a sweet bread infused with the zesty brightness of oranges. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert, with a luscious orange glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of citrus flavor.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread: A classic favorite, this bread combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and raisins. Perfect for toasting and slathering with butter, it’s a nostalgic treat that’s sure to please.

Almond Poppy Seed Bread: This bread is a delightful combination of nutty almonds and crunchy poppy seeds. The subtle sweetness and unique texture make it a perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Blueberry Lemon Scones: Bursting with juicy blueberries and a hint of lemon, these scones are a delightful treat. They’re perfect for a brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, with a tender crumb and a light, refreshing flavor.

Honey Oat Bread: This hearty bread combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of honey. It’s perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter and a drizzle of extra honey.

Why trust this Lemon Easter Bread Recipe:

This lemon Easter bread recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday table. With a perfect balance of lemon extract and butter, it offers a light, citrusy flavor that is sure to impress. The use of bread flour ensures a soft and airy texture, while the active dry yeast guarantees a perfect rise. Easy to follow and tested for consistency, this recipe promises a delicious and festive bread that will become a family favorite.

Have you tried this Lemon Easter Bread Recipe? Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

Can I make this lemon Easter bread without a bread machine?

Yes, you can! Just mix the ingredients by hand or with a stand mixer until the dough forms. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size, then follow the rest of the instructions.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon extract?

You can, but the flavor might be less intense. Lemon extract is more concentrated, so if you use lemon juice, you might need to add more to get the same lemony flavor. Just be careful not to add too much liquid to the dough.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread should be lightly browned on top and sound hollow when you tap it. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F.

Can I add other ingredients to this bread, like nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even some zest from a lemon for extra flavor. Just add them in after the first rise and before shaping the dough into balls.

How should I store the leftover bread?

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.