Glazed Easter Bread

Update : April 1, 2026

why make this recipe

Glazed Easter Bread is a delightful and festive treat perfect for celebrating Easter. This sweet bread is soft, fluffy, and has a wonderful flavor thanks to the hint of nutmeg and lemon zest. The sweet glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes it visually appealing, especially when topped with colorful sprinkles. It’s not just a bread; it’s a lovely centerpiece for your holiday meals, and it’s easy to share with family and friends. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked bread in your home is unbeatable!

how to make Glazed Easter Bread

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm; then add to the dry ingredients.
Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and nutmeg until well combined.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Let the bread cool completely.
For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the bread.
Add sprinkles if desired.

how to serve Glazed Easter Bread

Serve Glazed Easter Bread sliced, either plain or with a pat of butter. It makes a great addition to your Easter brunch table or as a sweet snack throughout the day. You can also enjoy it with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

how to store Glazed Easter Bread

To store Glazed Easter Bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and then bring it to room temperature before serving.

tips to make Glazed Easter Bread

Make sure the milk and butter mixture is not too hot; otherwise, it can kill the yeast.
Knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which helps the bread become fluffy.
If you want a richer flavor, you can replace some of the milk with cream.
For a decorative touch, shape the bread into braids or rolls before the second rise.

variation

You can add different flavors to your Glazed Easter Bread by mixing in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Alternatively, you can use orange zest instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the bread might be denser. You may need to add more liquid to achieve the right dough consistency.

Q: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A: To make a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise and then refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.