Greek Easter Bread

Orange juice is used in both a dough made with high-gluten flour and an icing to top this Greek-style bread loaf, traditionally served at Easter.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 312 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 2.5 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 5.5 cups high-gluten flour, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine 2 cups flour and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer.

Step 3

Stir together milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan; heat and stir over medium-low heat until mixture is smooth and the temperature is between 90 degrees F (32 degrees C) and 100 degrees F (37 degrees C).

Step 4

Pour hot milk mixture into flour mixture, add eggs, and beat with the paddle attachment on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and beat for 3 minutes more. Add 1 cup flour and 3 tablespoons orange juice; mix on high speed for 3 minutes more.

Step 5

Fit the mixer with a dough hook. Add remaining 2 1/2 cups flour to mixture in the bowl; beat until flour is completely incorporated.

Step 6

Grease a large glass bowl; put dough into the bowl. Let dough rise until doubled in volume, 1 to 2 hours.

Step 7

Punch dough down. Divide dough into 2 halves. Split each half into 3 equal pieces, roll each piece into a cylinder, and braid into loaves. Place loaves onto a baking sheet. Cover with a dish towel and let rise for about 1 hour.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven until the centers spring back when lightly pressed, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 9

Make icing: Stir together confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon orange juice in a small bowl. Brush onto the tops of loaves.