Golden Greek Easter Bunny Bread Recipe: A Festive Family Joy

Baking this delightful greek easter bunny bread brings joy to springtime celebrations.

Soft, golden strands of dough weave together in a traditional easter bread recipe that captures family memories.

Generations of greek families have lovingly crafted this symbolic bread as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Delicate twists and braids give the bread its charming bunny shape, creating a whimsical treat that delights both children and adults.

The sweet aroma of orange zest and warm spices fills the kitchen with anticipation.

Each carefully shaped loaf tells a story of cultural heritage and culinary love.

Dive into this cherished recipe and create a delicious memory for your own table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Calories: 198 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients Needed For Greek Easter Bunny Bread

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising, choose fresh and check expiration date.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps activation process, use granulated white sugar.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture, select unbleached for better flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and controls yeast growth, use fine grain.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright citrusy aroma, use fresh orange for most vibrant flavor.
• Anise Seeds: Optional aromatic spice, provides subtle licorice-like undertone.

• Milk: Creates soft, tender crumb, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and flavor, use room temperature for easier mixing.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides richness, choose large fresh eggs.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements other flavors, pure extract preferred over artificial.

• Raisins or Currants: Creates bunny eyes, select plump and glossy.
• Sliced Almonds: Forms bunny teeth, choose blanched for clean appearance.
• Egg (For Egg Wash): Gives golden sheen, use whole egg for best results.

Useful Tools For Greek Easter Bunny Bread

• Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Dough Hook: Helps mix and knead the dough easily.
• Kitchen Towel: Used to cover the dough during rising.
• Baking Sheet: For shaping and baking the bunny bread.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
• Pastry Brush: Great for applying the egg wash.
• Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy.

Make Greek Easter Bunny Bread Step By Step

• Kickstart the Yeast Magic

Sprinkle yeast into warm water and watch the magic begin. Let it bubble and foam, creating a living, breathing base for your delicious bunny bread.

• Mix and Mingle the Ingredients

Combine dry and wet ingredients in a dance of flavors. Blend everything until a soft, pillowy dough emerges, ready to be transformed.

• Knead and Nurture

Work the dough with loving hands, transforming it into a smooth, elastic canvas. Tuck it into a cozy bowl and let it rise, growing and breathing in a warm embrace.

• Sculpt Your Bunny Masterpiece

Craft your bread bunny with creativity. Shape a plump body, cute head, looped ears, tiny cheeks, and a playful nose. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet like a delightful edible sculpture.

• Final Rise and Shine

Let your bunny bread rest, developing depth and character. Brush with a golden egg wash that will make it glisten like a treasure.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the bunny into a warm oven. Bake until it turns a rich, golden brown and sounds hollow when gently tapped – a true sign of bread-baking mastery.

Creative Tips For Greek Easter Bunny Bread

• Perfect Rise Secrets: Use a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven to help the dough rise beautifully and evenly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough a day ahead, refrigerate overnight, and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking for deeper flavor development.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the bread's structure and soft texture.
• Flavor Twists: Experiment with different spices like ground cardamom or swap orange zest with lemon zest for a unique aromatic profile that complements the sweet bread.
• Decoration Variations: Replace raisin eyes with colorful candied fruits or create intricate almond patterns to personalize your festive bunny bread for special occasions.

Nice Ways To Serve Greek Easter Bunny Bread

• Festive Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this adorable bunny bread and create magical Easter memories together.
• Easter Brunch Centerpiece: Place the bread in the middle of your table as a stunning, edible decoration that sparks conversation and delight.
• Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve alongside honey butter, fruit preserves, or a light cream cheese spread to enhance the bread's delicate orange and anise flavors.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Let children help decorate the bunny bread with extra almonds or raisins, turning baking into a fun family bonding experience.

Smart Storage For Greek Easter Bunny Bread

• Cooling Corner: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain its delightful texture.
• Bread Box Brilliance: Wrap the bunny bread in a clean kitchen towel or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping its soft, fluffy consistency intact.
• Chilled Charm: Refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving to restore its original warmth and softness.
• Freeze and Feast: Slice and freeze the bread in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven for a just-baked taste.

Festive Greek Easter Bunny Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet Greek Easter tsoureki bread weaves cultural traditions into a delightful pastry. Aromatic almond and orange notes highlight this festive Greek celebration, inviting bakers to connect with heritage through gentle kneading and patient rising techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 5 ½ cups (660 g) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 5 tbsps (70 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp grated orange zest
• 1 tsp anise seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Raisins or currants (for eyes)
• Sliced almonds (for teeth)
• Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast with sugar in warm water, allowing a frothy development for 5-10 minutes.
2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, orange zest, and anise seeds in a large mixing bowl.
3. Liquid Component Integration: Whisk milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture until thoroughly combined.
4. Dough Formation: Merge wet and dry ingredients, stirring carefully to create a soft, cohesive dough.
5. Kneading and Proofing: Transfer dough to a floured surface, knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume.
6. Bunny Shaping: Deflate the risen dough and carefully craft the bunny form using different dough pieces – creating an oval body, rounded head, looped ears, cheek balls, tiny nose, and flattened tail.
7. Decorative Details: Arrange the dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning raisin eyes and sliced almond teeth for character.
8. Final Proofing and Preparation: Allow the shaped dough a secondary rise for 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel. Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
9. Finishing Touches: Brush the bunny with an egg wash, ensuring a glossy, golden exterior, and bake until the bread turns a rich golden-brown and sounds hollow when tapped, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is precisely warm (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it, creating a perfect foamy texture.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by using consistent, rhythmic movements during kneading, stretching the dough to create a smooth, elastic consistency that ensures light, airy bread.
• Shaping Precision: Use gentle hands when forming bunny shape, keeping dough pieces uniform in size to maintain even baking and create a visually appealing bread sculpture.
• Moisture Management: Cover dough during rising with damp cloth to prevent surface from drying out, helping maintain soft, tender bread texture and supporting optimal rising conditions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 198
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg