Italy Colomba Pasquale (Easter Dove Bread)
Colomba pasquale (meaning "Easter dove”) is Italy’s official Easter bread. Similar to panettone (Italian Christmas bread), colomba pasquale has a delicate, sweet flavor and light texture. It differs in the addition of orange peel and a decoration of white frosting and almonds. While traditionally yeasted, this recipe uses baking powder for a faster preparation that’s just as delicious. Buona Pasqua!
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 g) flour
- 6 Tbsp (75 g) sugar
- 2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp (30 g) butter, melted
- 6 Tbsp (90 ml) milk
- 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
- 2 tsp (10 ml) grated lemon peel
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 hard-boiled egg, shelled
- 1 tsp (5 ml) colored or white sprinkles
- Almonds (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cut out a stylized dove shape, 12 inches (30 cm) beak to toe and 6 inches (15 cm) wing to wing, from parchment paper.
- Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla.
- Add to flour and fold in lemon peel.
- Knead for 2 minutes.
- Roll dough out on a floured surface so it will fit parchment dove.
- Cut around dough shape with a sharp knife.
- Place dove on greased tray.
- Make incisions to mimic tail feathers and a beak.
- Push in a large raisin for the eye.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Push hard-boiled egg into the middle.
- Dot with sprinkles or almonds, if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until light gold.
Copyright © 1993—2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.