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Italian Ricotta Easter Bread

Name: Italian Ricotta Easter Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 18 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plain or butter-flavored shortening, room temperature; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 3 large egg yolks, room temperature; 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese; 1 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice); 6 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup 2% milk; GLAZE:; 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 3 tablespoons 2% milk; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice); Sliced toasted almonds or assorted sprinkles

7 reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min.

Makes

18 servings

I changed our family's traditional Easter bread by adding ricotta and a few other ingredients. The almond flavoring works wonders! — Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

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Ingredients

3/4 cup plain or butter-flavored shortening, room temperature
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
3 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice)
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup 2% milk
GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice)
Sliced toasted almonds or assorted sprinkles

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and egg yolks,1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in ricotta and extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition, stirring in final 1 cup flour by hand.
Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each into an 18-in. rope. Place ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and braid. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under braid. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 45-55 minutes (do not overbake). Remove to wire racks to cool.
Meanwhile, beat confectioners' sugar, milk and extract until smooth. Brush on bread while still warm; top with sliced almonds or sprinkles.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 376 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.

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