Osterbrot: German Easter Bread Recipe

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The Osterbrot: German Easter Bread Recipe is also known as Hefezopf. A sweet European bread made from eggs right in your kitchen.

Hefezopf Bread Machine German Easter Bread Recipe

Hefezopf is my favorite traditional German Easter Bread recipe to have on Easter Sunday.

We normally would have our Easter dinner on Easter Saturday after we head to church to have our Easter baskets blessed (a Polish Catholic tradition) rather than Easter morning.

Coming from a Polish family which originated in Germany (I know that sounds weird), sweet braided bread is an old family recipe.

We have changed it up to make it easier by making it in the bread machine. No more waiting for the dough to rise on a tray table by the space heater.

I always dreaded working with yeast bread but the bread machine has turned my life around.

Placek (coffee cake or crumb cake) is another family favorite that I make often. I will try to get that recipe up before the Easter holiday.

You will see Easter bread that is braided, has a glaze on top, Easter eggs in them, topped with almond slivers, or filled with raisins or currants.

These are all great and can be made in multiple different ways. Just do a search for delicious German Easter Bread recipes and you will be overwhelmed with the wide variety of recipes.

And we have made it in many different ways too. However, my husband is not a fan of raisins, currants, almonds, or glaze.

With that said, after trial and error, we were able to come up with this easy bread recipe to please everyone.

Looking for a delicious and festive Easter bread recipe? Look no further than Osterbrot, a traditional German Easter bread.

This sweet and flavorful bread is perfect for any Easter celebration!

Give this recipe a try today!

This German Easter Bread will look different than the one you are used to, only because of the fact that it’s being made in the bread machine.

If you want it to look like more traditional Easter bread, then follow the directions at the bottom of this post to finish off in the oven.

Osterbrot Ingredients:

• Lukewarm milk (between 105 and 110 degrees)
• Whole Eggs (room temperature)
• Melted Butter
• Sugar
• Salt
• Cups of Flour (bread flour)
• Active dry yeast
• Raisins or yellow or black Currants (optional)
• For exact measurements, please see the recipe card below.

Supplies Needed for German Easter Bread Recipe

• Kitchen Bamboo Bread Slicer – This makes cutting your own bread so much easier.
• Buddeez Sandwich Size Bread Buddy Dispenser – You can dispense one slice at a time once you cut it up and it keeps your bread fresh. 
• Bread Machine – A bread machine is kind of a no brainer if you are making bread in one. However, it really doesn’t have to be any special kind.
• Measuring cup – A variety of sizes of measuring cups is always good to have on hand.
• Wire cooling rack – These are great for cookies as well as bread.
• Large bowl – Once again, a variety of sizes is always good to have on hand.
• Sharp knife – For cutting bread, you need a sharp serrated bread knife.

How to Make Hefezopf in a Bread Machine

In a liquid measuring cup, mix together your milk and yeast to make a yeast mixture.

Set aside to proof for 5 minutes. While it’s proofing, continue your recipe.

Add to your bread pan everything in order of recipe or as per recommendation from the manufacturer: eggs, butter, sugar, salt, and flour.

Tip: I always remove my pan from the bread machine when adding ingredients. This way, if anything should happen to spill over, it doesn’t go into the elements.

Once the milk mixture of yeast and milk has sat for 5 minutes, evenly pour over your flour. 

Set your bread machine to basic, and 2 lb. Choose your crust preference. My family prefers a medium crust. However, most recommend the light setting.

Once the bread machine has finished its first kneading cycle (and before it has started the second kneading cycle), add your raisins or currents.

When the cycle has completed, remove the pan from the machine and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Our bread machine normally takes about 3 hours to complete the cycle. However, every bread machine is different and yours can take less time or take longer.

Remove bread from the pan and let cool on a wire rack.

Remove the dough hook or wait until the bread has cooled completely.

Cut and enjoy! 

Note: I purchased a bread slicer on Amazon so I could get the perfect slice every time. 

Braided Variation

If you prefer a braided German Easter Bread, you can make the dough only in the bread machine and bake it the rest of the way in the oven.

Place ingredients in the bread machine in order listed.

Hit the dough-only cycle.

Once finished, remove from the bread pan and transfer dough to a lightly floured surface or parchment paper.

Smooth dough to form into a large dough ball and place in a large mixing bowl.

Slice into 3 sections and roll them in long strands.

Start braiding until you reach the end and tuck in the loose ends underneath.

Rather than a traditional braid, you can also create an Easter wreath shape or individual breads.

Place balls of aluminum foil into the crevices where you will place the hard boiled eggs.

Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel or damp tea towel and set in a warm place to let the dough rise for another hour.

In a small bowl, make an egg wash from egg whites, egg yolks, or a whole egg, (whichever you prefer, they all work) and water and brush the top of the dough before placing it in a preheated oven at 350-degree for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Once finished, replace the aluminum foil balls with dyed hard boiled eggs.

Top with a glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Warm milk
• Vanilla extract
• Almonds or Easter sprinkles

In a separate bowl, mix together the ingredients above until smooth.

Pour over the top and top with Easter sprinkles or almond slivers.

The Hefezopf recipe is a traditional German sweet bread that has been around for centuries.

Similar to popular Easter breads such as sweet Easter bread of Bremen or an Italian Easter Bread aka Italian Panettone which is made with wheat flour, orange zest, and anise.

Hot Cross Buns are also a favorite at our holiday table.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we’ve updated the sweet yeast bread recipe to make it easier by making it in your bread machine and making the perfect loaf of Easter bread!

No more waiting hours on end for the dough to rise, just set the timer and enjoy this delicious Easter treat without all of the fuss.

Try our version of an old family favorite of traditional Easter breads at your Easter table this year! Serve with apricot jam or your favorite jam for a delicious ending to a beautiful day.

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