Whether you’re honoring tradition or trying something new, this no knead Easter bread easy recipe delivers big comfort with little effort. With no yeast and no rise time, it’s ideal for busy families, beginner bakers, or anyone craving that nostalgic, soft, slightly sweet Easter bread without the long prep.
Rooted in old fashioned Easter bread recipes passed down through Italian and Sicilian kitchens, this version simplifies the process while keeping the spirit and flavor intact. It’s beautifully soft, delightfully sweet, and makes a perfect addition to Easter brunch—or any spring celebration.
Ingredients for Easy Easter Bread Recipe (No Yeast)
This bread uses pantry staples and can be customized to taste with citrus or almond extract.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup unsalted melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Colored nonpareils or sprinkles (for topping)
- Optional: 1–3 hard-boiled, colored eggs for decoration
How to Make No Knead Easter Bread Easy No Yeast
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a round cake pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add sour cream, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and optional citrus or almond flavoring. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Form Dough
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just mixed. The dough should be sticky but hold its shape.
Step 5: Shape the Bread
- Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into a round loaf. Place it on your prepared baking sheet or cake pan.
- Add a hard-boiled colored egg in the center if desired, and sprinkle generously with nonpareils.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Sweet Easter Bread Recip
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can toughen the dough. Mix until ingredients are just combined for a soft texture.
Add Traditional Flavors
Citrus zest, almond extract, or even anise flavoring can give your bread a more traditional Easter bread profile, common in Italian-American homes.
Make Mini Loaves
Divide the dough into smaller portions to make individual servings. Great for gifting or smaller gatherings.
Ingredient Swaps for Flexibility
If you’re missing an ingredient or want to adjust for dietary needs, here are a few smart swaps:
- Sour cream → Plain Greek yogurt
- Butter → Neutral oil like canola
- Milk → Dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk
- Sprinkles → Pearl sugar or chopped nuts for a more rustic finish
Additional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yields: 1 loaf (about 8 servings)
- Freezer Friendly: Yes (freeze undecorated)
This bread is an easy, cheerful addition to your Easter menu and can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. Just reheat gently in the oven or toaster before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
For more on the role of baking powder and baking soda in recipes like this, visit Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for a detailed breakdown.
FAQ: Easy Italian Easter Sweet Bread Recipe
Is this the same as a traditional Italian Easter bread?
Not exactly—it’s a simplified version. Classic recipes use yeast and require rising time. This easy Italian Easter sweet bread recipe skips all that while staying true to the flavor and festive look.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It freezes well. Just avoid adding sprinkles or eggs before freezing. Reheat in the oven to freshen up.
Can I leave out the colored eggs?
Definitely. The colored egg is decorative, not essential to the baking process.
Is this considered a Sicilian Easter bread?
This version takes inspiration from Sicilian Easter bread, especially the sweet flavor and festive appearance, but skips yeast for convenience.
Does it taste like cake?
A bit! It’s slightly sweet with a tender crumb, falling somewhere between bread and cake.
The cooking doesn’t stop here!
Try delicious recipes like Lime Coconut Cupcakes and Lime Cake — let the flavors keep surprising you.
Ready to Bake?
This no knead Easter bread easy recipe is a great way to celebrate the season without complicated steps or ingredients. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or enjoying it with your morning coffee, it’s sure to become a springtime favorite.
For additional insight into traditional Easter foods and history, check out Wikipedia’s Easter Bread page for cultural context from around the world.
Happy baking!