Sicilian Easter Festivity Bread
Celebrate Easter with this rich and aromatic Sicilian Easter Festivity Bread, a delightful cake that reflects the Greek religious traditions of Sicily. Infused with the aromatic flavor of mahlepi or mahleb, this bread combines fluffy textures and sweet tastes to create a wonderful centerpiece for your holiday table. Traditionally adorned with colored eggs and a sprinkle of almonds or festive sprinkles, this cake pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso, making it perfect for festive gatherings or family brunches. Embrace the flavors of Sicily this Easter – Buona Pasqua!
6
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1 pinch (about 1/8 tsp) (none)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Large eggs
2, lightly beaten (beaten)
Milk
3/4 cup (none)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground mahlepi (or mahleb)
1 teaspoon (none)
Uncooked eggs for decoration
1 or 3 (raw, dyed if desired)
Egg wash
1 egg beaten with 1 tsp milk (whisked together)
Sliced almonds or colored sprinkles
for topping (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie plate or cake pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, ground mahlepi, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
3
In another bowl, mix the lightly beaten eggs, olive oil, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a spoon until you achieve a smooth and satiny batter.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared pie plate or cake pan, spreading it evenly.
6
Brush the top of the batter with the egg wash, and then sprinkle with sliced almonds or colored sprinkles for decoration.
7
Press the uncooked egg or eggs gently into the center of the batter for an authentic look.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes before carefully unmolding.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
35g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sicilian Easter Festivity Bread?
It is a rich and aromatic holiday cake reflecting the Greek religious traditions of Sicily, typically featuring mahlepi flavor and fluffy textures.
What is the primary flavoring agent in this bread?
The primary aromatic flavor comes from ground mahlepi, also known as mahleb.
How should the Sicilian Easter Festivity Bread be decorated?
It is traditionally decorated with colored eggs, an egg wash, and a sprinkle of sliced almonds or festive colored sprinkles.
What is the best way to serve this festive bread?
It pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso and is perfect for festive gatherings or family brunches.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is required for this recipe?
A 9-inch pie plate or cake pan is recommended.
How many calories are in one serving of this bread?
Each serving contains 250 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There is 10g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 35g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
One serving provides 5g of protein.
How long should the bread bake in the oven?
The bread should bake for about 55 minutes.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
It is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Should the decorative eggs be cooked before placing them on the batter?
No, you should use uncooked eggs for decoration and press them gently into the batter before baking.
How long should the bread cool before unmolding?
Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes before carefully unmolding it.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the fat source used in the batter?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How many eggs are mixed into the batter itself?
Two large, lightly beaten eggs are mixed into the batter.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash, made of one egg and milk, is brushed on top to give the bread a decorative finish and help toppings stick.
What is the recommended preparation for the flour?
The flour should be sifted before being whisked with the other dry ingredients.
What liquid components are mixed with the eggs and oil?
The eggs and oil are mixed with 3/4 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What type of sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I dye the decorative eggs?
Yes, the decorative eggs can be dyed if desired before being placed in the batter.
What dry ingredients are whisked together?
Sifted flour, baking powder, ground mahlepi, granulated sugar, and salt are whisked together.
What should the consistency of the batter be?
The batter should be stirred until it is smooth and satiny.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Is there salt in this bread?
Yes, a pinch of salt (about 1/8 tsp) is included in the dry ingredients.
What does 'Buona Pasqua' mean?
'Buona Pasqua' is an Italian greeting that means 'Happy Easter'.
What are the topping options?
The top can be sprinkled with either sliced almonds or colored sprinkles.