Osterbrot – Traditional German Easter Bread Recipe
Osterbrot is a traditional German Easter bread, enjoyed during the holiday season as part of a festive breakfast or brunch. This soft, slightly sweet yeast bread is enriched with raisins, almonds, and citrus zest, giving it a fragrant and tender crumb.
Typically, Osterbrot is shaped into a round loaf, brushed with egg wash for a golden crust, and dusted with powdered sugar before serving. Some versions even have a cross cut into the top, symbolizing Easter’s religious significance.
This guide explores the history of Osterbrot, its role in German Easter traditions, and a step-by-step recipe so you can bake this festive bread at home.
History & Cultural Significance
The Origins of Osterbrot
Osterbrot has been a part of German Easter traditions for centuries, symbolizing renewal and festivity. This lightly sweet bread is similar to Stollen but is simpler, with fewer spices and a softer texture.
In southern Germany, Osterbrot is often shaped into a round loaf and dusted with powdered sugar. In Bavaria, it is common to add sliced almonds or a hint of rum-soaked raisins.
Many families serve Osterbrot on Easter Sunday morning, sometimes alongside butter, honey, or jam. Some variations include a cross on top, symbolizing Easter’s religious roots.
Want to explore more German Easter breads? Check out Osterzopf and Osterkranz.
Ingredients & Preparation
Ingredients
For the Dough:
500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
75g (⅓ cup) sugar
1 packet (7g) dry yeast
250ml (1 cup) warm milk
80g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
100g (½ cup) raisins (optional)
50g (⅓ cup) sliced almonds (optional)
For Brushing & Topping:
1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp milk
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
How to Make Osterbrot
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk, let sit for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
Add melted butter, egg, vanilla, and lemon zest.
Knead into a smooth dough and fold in the raisins and almonds.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 2: Shape and Let Rise
Shape the dough into a round loaf.
Place it on a lined baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush the dough with egg wash.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Final Touch
Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
How to Serve
Osterbrot is best enjoyed fresh, paired with:
Butter and honey
A cup of coffee or hot chocolate
A side of fresh fruit
Variations
In Bavaria, Osterbrot is sometimes made with rum-soaked raisins. In Austria, it is flavored with cardamom or cinnamon for extra warmth. Some families bake dyed Easter eggs directly into the dough for decoration.
Want to try another Easter bread? Check out Hefezopf.
Osterbrot is a soft, lightly sweet Easter bread, perfect for celebrating the holiday with family. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with butter and honey, it’s a wonderful tradition to bake at home.
