Originally published March 2013; Updated March 2021

My husband comes from a big, Italian family and grew up with many more food traditions than I did. My favorite? Italian Easter Bread. His grandmother made it for everyone for years and when she died, the torch was passed on. This isn’t her recipe, but it’s better – the same amazing taste but much less finicky.

Italian Easter Bread takes time, so we generally reserve it for Easter, but it’s worth the effort. This sweet, soft loaf is a real treat.