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Spectacular Nutella Swirl Easter Bread

Nutella Swirl Easter Bread (Soft Braided Sweet Bread)

A soft, slightly sweet, enriched dough braided with a rich Nutella swirl—perfect for Easter brunch or dessert. Think fluffy brioche meets chocolate spread heaven.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: cake
Cuisine: Américaine
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Dough
  • 3 ½ cups 440g all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup 50g sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp 1 packet active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup 180ml warm milk (not hot)
  • 2 large eggs room temp
  • ¼ cup 60g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Filling
  • ¾ –1 cup Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread
  • Egg Wash
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp milk

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl or stand mixer
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Activate Yeast
  2. In a bowl, combine warm milk + yeast + 1 tsp sugar
  3. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy
  4. Make Dough
  5. Add sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla, and salt
  6. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms
  7. Knead 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic
  8. First Rise
  9. Place dough in a greased bowl
  10. Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled
  11. Shape & Fill
  12. Roll dough into a rectangle (~10×16 inches)
  13. Spread Nutella evenly (leave edges clean)
  14. Roll tightly into a log
  15. Create Swirl
  16. Slice the log lengthwise (exposes layers)
  17. Twist the two halves together (cut side up)
  18. Form into a braid or loaf shape
  19. Second Rise
  20. Place on lined baking sheet
  21. Cover loosely and rise 30–45 minutes
  22. Bake
  23. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  24. Brush with egg wash
  25. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown
  26. 🍽️ Serving
  27. Cool slightly before slicing
  28. Best served warm
  29. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle glaze

Notes

Don’t overheat milk (kills yeast)
Chill Nutella slightly if too runny
Use a sharp knife when slicing dough for clean swirls
If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil