Easter Sweet Bread (Folar de Páscoa)

Prep Time

2 hours (including dough rising)

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

2 hours and 30 minutes

Servings

Yield

1 large loaf

Calories

Approximately 280 calories

Embrace the spirit of Easter with the traditional Portuguese Folar de Páscoa, a delightful sweet bread that embodies the essence of holiday gatherings. This aromatic bread is lightly sweetened, enriched with eggs, and infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and lemon zest, offering a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Often adorned with hard-boiled eggs symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, Folar de Páscoa is not just a treat; it’s a centerpiece that brings joy and festivity to your Easter celebrations. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this recipe is designed to guide even novice bakers to success, making your holiday a little sweeter and a lot more memorable.

Ingredients

4 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons of dry yeast
1/2 cup of lukewarm milk
4 eggs (plus 1 for egg wash)
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
4 hard-boiled eggs (optional, for decoration)
Vegetable oil (for greasing)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and cinnamon.
Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the beaten eggs, yeast mixture, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. If using, gently press the hard-boiled eggs into the top of the dough.
Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Brush the loaf with beaten egg and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Ensure your milk is lukewarm to help activate the yeast without killing it.
The addition of hard-boiled eggs is traditional but optional; they can be dyed for extra festivity.
Allow the Folar to cool completely before slicing to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
This bread can be made a day ahead and kept wrapped to maintain its freshness.

Mise en Place

Ingredients

Utensils

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Salt
Lemon zest
Ground cinnamon
Dry yeast
Lukewarm milk
Eggs
Unsalted butter
Hard-boiled eggs (optional)
Vegetable oil

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Pastry brush
Wire rack for cooling

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