An Osterkranz (Easter Bread) for 12 Loaves

by Lora Wiley-Lennartz
Mini Osterkranz

When I saw this month’s 12 Loaves Challenge (Holiday Breads) over at Cake Duchess, I immediately thought of all the bright and beautiful treats that popped up in Germany bakeries this time of year.

One of the most popular is a traditional Osterkranz (Easter wreath) which is usually a large  braided wreath shaped sweet bread studded with colored Easter eggs.

Instead of a large wreath, I shaped these into mini versions and placed a decorated egg in the middle. All varieties of seeds and other ingredients and be added to the dough or sprinkled on top. I left mine plain and used colored non pareils to decorate for pops of color.

I have a few recipes for this bread in my collection of vintage German cookbooks but instead of using one of those and translating it here, try this one.

The result was sweet doughy delight.  A perfect Easter brunch treat.

You may also like

10 comments

Cake Duchess March 30, 2013 - 1:08 pm

So pretty, Lora. I love to see your creations. Your colored eggs are so perfect for spring and your bread is delightful:)) Thank you for baking with #TwelveLoaves this month. xx

Reply
Sue March 21, 2013 - 2:00 am

What a special treat! I would love to find one of these beauties at my plate on Easter!

Reply
Butter Hearts Sugar March 20, 2013 - 6:50 am

Oh wow they look awesome!!! Love the breads, love the colours, love it all!

Reply
Lauren March 19, 2013 - 4:57 pm

LOVE the mini wreaths and the bright colors. So much more snazzy than the other versions I've seen. You're making me hungry!

Reply
Spicie Foodie March 18, 2013 - 10:26 pm

What pretty breads. I love the braids and all the colors!

Reply
Paula March 18, 2013 - 5:50 pm

Glorious. Making the smaller wreaths really make these look like little nests. Love them 🙂

Reply
Anonymous March 18, 2013 - 11:43 pm

These look so gorgeous and colorful, it'd be hard to eat them!! Hmmm… I guess I'd manage :).

Reply
Anonymous March 18, 2013 - 2:40 pm

Ah! LOVE IT! I will reblog this!! And make it!

Reply
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie March 18, 2013 - 1:11 pm

These are so cool! I've never heard of them before 🙂

Reply
Joanne March 18, 2013 - 2:35 pm

Yay! I make these loaves every year. They are my favorite part of easter!

Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.