Fluffy Pull-Apart Easter Bunny Bread
A soft, fluffy pull-apart bread shaped like a bunny, perfect for festive Easter celebrations. This easy recipe yields a golden crust and pillowy interior that delights both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (divided: 2 tbsp for dough, 1 tbsp for yeast activation)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for eyes)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir 1 cup warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar and yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups flour, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: Beat 2 eggs with softened butter and vanilla extract. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir gently.
- Make the dough: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
- First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled.
- Shape the bunny: Punch down dough and divide into sections to form bunny shape on parchment-lined baking sheet or round cake pan.
- Second rise: Cover shaped dough and let rise 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Apply egg wash: Brush entire bunny with egg wash and add seeds for eyes if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Bread should sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove from oven and cool slightly on a rack before serving. Best enjoyed warm, pulled apart piece by piece.
Notes
Milk temperature is crucial for yeast activation; avoid too hot or too cold. Allow dough to rise fully for best texture. Kneading develops gluten for structure. Egg wash gives a shiny golden crust. Baking times may vary by oven; tent with foil if browning too fast. Dough can be refrigerated after first rise and baked next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pull-apart piece (
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Easter bread, pull-apart bread, bunny bread, festive bread, soft bread, homemade bread, holiday bread