Golden Easter Braided Bread (Osterzopf)
vxdaPrepare a wonderfully fluffy and aromatic braided bread that will be the star of your festive table. This classic German bake, enriched with a fresh hint of lemon, is the perfect way to celebrate Easter in a sweet style, delighting the palates of the whole family.
Ingredients
- 500 g wheat flour
- 75 g sugar
- 1 pcs vanilla sugar
- 7 g dry yeast
- 150 ml warm milk
- 75 g butter
- 2 pcs egg
- 1 pcs egg yolk
- 1 pcs lemon zest
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk, adding a pinch of sugar. Set aside for about 15 minutes, until the mixture starts to foam nicely.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, softened butter, eggs, grated lemon zest, and salt. Pour the active yeast into the dry ingredients.
- 3
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes – it should become smooth and elastic. At this stage, if you like, you can mix in raisins, chopped hazelnuts, or pieces of marzipan.
- 4
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and set aside in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, to allow the dough to double in size.
- 5
Divide the risen dough into three equal parts. Form each into a long rope, and then loosely braid them together.
- 6
Carefully transfer the formed braided bread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover again and leave to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- 7
Before putting it in the oven, brush the braided bread with a beaten egg yolk mixed with a tablespoon of milk. Then sprinkle generously with pearl sugar.
- 8
Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for the first 15 minutes. After this time, reduce the temperature to 170°C (340°F) and bake for another 25-30 minutes, until the braided bread takes on a beautiful golden color and is baked through.