Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread: A Traditional Holiday Delight

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Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread: A Traditional Holiday Delight

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread wafting through your home during holiday mornings. As Easter approaches, many families seek those special recipes that bring both comfort and celebration to the table. This Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread recipe has become my family’s treasured tradition – a soft, pillowy bread with mesmerizing swirls of rich chocolate that perfectly balances sweetness with a tender crumb. Whether you’re hosting an elaborate Easter brunch or simply want to create a meaningful homemade treat, this Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread delivers both impressive results and heartwarming memories. The best part? Despite its stunning appearance, this recipe is surprisingly approachable, even for baking beginners who want to create something truly special this Easter season.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread

  • ✅ This traditional Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread recipe combines generations of baking wisdom with modern simplicity
  • ✅ Perfect homemade Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread for creating meaningful Easter morning traditions
  • ✅ The soft Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread stays fresh for days, making it ideal for busy holiday preparations
  • ✅ This festive Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread for Easter celebration becomes the centerpiece of any holiday table
  • ✅ Our easy Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread baking tips ensure success even for first-time bread bakers
  • ✅ The rich Chocolate Swirl Bread for holiday gatherings impresses guests with minimal effort
  • ✅ This simple Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread for beginners requires basic ingredients you likely already have

Ingredients for Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread

For the Bread Dough:

  • 2¾ cups plain flour
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ¼ cup caster sugar
  • ¾ cup milk, lukewarm
  • 1 tablespoon caster sugar (extra)
  • 7g (1 packet) dried yeast
  • 3 eggs (at room temperature)
  • 125g butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 pinches raw sugar for decoration

For the Chocolate Filling:

  • 125g dark chocolate melts
  • 60g butter
  • ¼ cup caster sugar

Ingredient Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, substitute dark chocolate melts with 70% cocoa chocolate
  • If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the caster sugar to 3 tablespoons
  • For a Chocolate Almond Swirl Bread for Easter, add ¼ cup of finely chopped almonds to the chocolate filling

How to Make Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread – Step by Step

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk with the extra tablespoon of caster sugar. Sprinkle the dried yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy and activated.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ¼ cup caster sugar.

Step 3:

 Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter.

Step 4: 

Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky at this point.

Step 5:

 Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed, but keep the dough soft.

Step 6: 

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and leave in a warm place to rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Step 7: 

While the dough rises, prepare the chocolate filling. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring constantly.

Step 8: 

Once completely melted, remove from heat and stir in the ¼ cup caster sugar. Let the mixture cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 9:

 Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release air bubbles.

Step 10: 

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches (30×40 cm).

Step 11: 

Spread the cooled chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 12: 

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal it.

Step 13:

 Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the chocolate layers.

Step 14: 

Carefully twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing upward to showcase the chocolate swirls.

Step 15: 

Form the twisted dough into a circle or wreath shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching the ends together to seal.

Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread: A Traditional Holiday Delight
Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread: A Traditional Holiday Delight

Pro Tips for Making the Best recipe

  • Temperature matters: Ensure all refrigerated ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature for better dough development
  • Don’t rush the rise: The slow rise develops flavor and texture in your recipe
  • Keep the chocolate filling spreadable: If it hardens too much, warm it slightly before spreading
  • For a soft Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread with icing**, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after the bread has cooled
  • To create a Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread with cream cheese filling**, mix 4oz softened cream cheese with the chocolate filling for an extra rich swirl

Best Ways to Serve recipe

This recipe is a versatile holiday treat that can be served in multiple ways:

  1. For Easter breakfast: Slice and serve slightly warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate
  2. As an afternoon treat: Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert
  3. For a special brunch: Include as the centerpiece of your Easter brunch spread alongside savory dishes like our Easter Frittata
  4. As a gift: Wrap a whole loaf in cellophane with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade Easter gift

The best way to serve recipe is slightly warm, which enhances the chocolate aroma and softens the texture for the perfect bite.

Storage & Leftovers

  • Room temperature: Store your recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
  • Freezing: This bread freezes exceptionally well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or warm the whole loaf (thawed) in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About recipe

Can I make recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe. This slow fermentation actually enhances the flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect swirls in my recipe?

The key to beautiful swirls is making sure your chocolate filling is spreadable but not too runny, and ensuring you roll the dough tightly. Chilling the rolled log for 15 minutes before cutting it can also help maintain clean chocolate layers.

Can I add other ingredients to my Traditional recipe?

Absolutely! Traditional variations include adding orange zest to the dough, mixing chopped nuts into the chocolate filling, or adding dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for extra flavor and texture.

How do I know when my recipe is perfectly baked?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) indicates it’s perfectly baked. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

The Perfect recipe for Your Celebration

Creating this recipe is more than just baking – it’s establishing a tradition your family will look forward to year after year. The rich chocolate swirls nestled within the tender bread create a visual feast that matches its incredible taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at a special holiday recipe for the first time, this Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread recipe delivers consistent, impressive results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t forget to share your creation on social media and tag us! We love seeing your homemade recipe and how you’ve made this recipe your own. From our family to yours, we hope this festive recipe becomes part of your cherished Easter traditions for years to come.

Have you tried making recipe before? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

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Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread: A Traditional Holiday Delight

Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread: A Traditional Holiday Delight


  • Author: Isabella Baute
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread is a family tradition that’s both visually stunning and delicious, featuring rich chocolate swirls in a tender, pillowy dough. It’s perfect for Easter brunches or as a seasonal treat for your loved ones.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2¾ cups plain flour
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ¼ cup caster sugar
  • ¾ cup milk, lukewarm
  • 1 tablespoon caster sugar (extra)
  • 7g (1 packet) dried yeast
  • 3 eggs (at room temperature)
  • 125g butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 pinches raw sugar for decoration
  • 125g dark chocolate melts
  • 60g butter
  • ¼ cup caster sugar

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk with the extra tablespoon of caster sugar. Sprinkle the dried yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy and activated.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ¼ cup caster sugar.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter.
  4. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky at this point.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed, but keep the dough soft.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and leave in a warm place to rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  7. While the dough rises, prepare the chocolate filling. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring constantly.
  8. Once completely melted, remove from heat and stir in the ¼ cup caster sugar. Let the mixture cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
  9. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release air bubbles.
  10. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches (30×40 cm).
  11. Spread the cooled chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  12. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal it.
  13. Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the chocolate layers.
  14. Carefully twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing upward to showcase the chocolate swirls.
  15. Form the twisted dough into a circle or wreath shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching the ends together to seal.
  16. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  17. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  18. Just before baking, sprinkle the raw sugar over the top of the bread.
  19. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
  20. Allow the Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure all refrigerated ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature for better dough development.
  • The slow rise develops flavor and texture in your Chocolate Swirl Easter Bread.
  • If the chocolate filling hardens too much, warm it slightly before spreading.
  • Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: N/A
  • Calories: N/A
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: N/A
  • Fat: N/A
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: N/A
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Protein: N/A
  • Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: chocolate swirl easter bread, easter bread recipe, easy bread recipe, holiday bread, chocolate bread, festive bread, sweet bread recipe

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