What is Portuguese Easter Bread (Folar de Páscoa)?

Portuguese Easter Bread, known as Folar de Páscoa, is a traditional sweet bread commonly prepared during Easter in Portugal. It often contains boiled eggs either baked into or placed on top of the dough, symbolizing fertility and renewal. The bread usually features a cross mark on top, representing the crucifixion of Christ. Variations exist by region, including savory versions like Folar de Chaves with smoked meats and sweet versions flavored with cinnamon, sugar, and anise seeds.

How do I make authentic Folar de Páscoa at home?

To make authentic Folar de Páscoa, you’ll need ingredients such as all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, SAF gold yeast (or more yeast if unavailable), salt, citrus zest (lemon and orange), anise seeds, full-fat milk, water, and butter. Begin by preparing a sponge with yeast and water to activate fermentation. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, creating a brioche-like texture. Once mixed and risen, shape the dough, add red-dyed boiled eggs on top, and bake until golden brown.

What’s the best way to shape and decorate Folar de Páscoa bread?

Folar de Páscoa is typically shaped into a round or oval loaf. Boiled eggs, traditionally dyed red, are nestled into the dough, secured with strips or crosses of dough on top. The cross is an essential decoration symbolizing Christ’s crucifixion. Some bakers score a cross directly on the dough instead of adding shaped dough. This finishing step happens before baking and helps give the bread its signature Easter look.

How should I store Portuguese Easter Bread to keep it fresh?

After baking, cool the bread completely on a wire rack. Store the Folar de Páscoa at room temperature, well-wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container, for up to several days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread wrapped tightly in foil and plastic; thaw at room temperature when ready to eat. To refresh the bread, lightly toast slices or warm them with butter.

Why are eggs baked into Portuguese Easter Bread?

The eggs in Portuguese Easter Bread symbolize rebirth, fertility, and new life, aligning with Easter’s themes of resurrection. Historically, eggs represented the arrival of spring and renewal in various cultures. The tradition of baking eggs into the bread reinforced this symbolism within Christian communities, marking the resurrection of Jesus and the hope for new beginnings during Easter celebrations.

Portuguese Easter Bread Recipe Traditional Folar de Pascoa

Name: Portuguese Easter Bread
Prep time: PT-489507H39M9S
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: – ½ cup all-purpose flour; – 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; – 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; – ½ cup water; – 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; – 6 tablespoons water; – 2 large eggs; – 7 tablespoons sugar; – ½ cup full-fat milk; – ½ teaspoon salt; – 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature; – 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening; – Zest of 1 lemon; – Zest of 1 orange; – ½ teaspoon anise seed; – 1 egg for egg wash; – 2 naturally dyed boiled eggs traditionally red

Description

🍞 Folar de Pascoa is a traditional Portuguese sweet Easter bread symbolizing new life with its iconic red eggs and rich, aromatic dough.
🌿 This brioche-style bread combines citrus zest and anise seed for a fragrant, soft, and festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

– ½ cup all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

– 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

– ½ cup water

– 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

– 6 tablespoons water

– 2 large eggs

– 7 tablespoons sugar

– ½ cup full-fat milk

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature

– 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

– Zest of 1 lemon

– Zest of 1 orange

– ½ teaspoon anise seed

– 1 egg for egg wash

– 2 naturally dyed boiled eggs traditionally red

Instructions

1-Starting with the Sponge: First, mix the sponge by combining ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, and ½ cup water in a bowl. Let it ferment for about an hour until it’s foamy and active, which helps the bread rise beautifully. For more sweet bread ideas, check out our Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread recipe for inspiration on variations.

2-Creaming and Mixing the Dough: Next, cream together 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening in a separate bowl, then add 7 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon anise seed. Stir in 2 large eggs and the zests of 1 lemon and 1 orange for that fresh burst of flavor. Incorporate the foamy sponge and 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, along with 6 tablespoons water as needed, to form a soft dough.

3-Kneading and Rising: Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes using a mixer or about 15 minutes by hand until it reaches 77°F to 88°F, making it smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rest for 2 hours until doubled in size. For plant-based swaps, you can use almond milk here to keep things versatile.

4-Shaping and Baking: Divide the dough into one large boule (about 670g) and four smaller pieces (totaling about 277g). Shape the large piece into a round loaf and the smaller ones into long ropes. After a 1-2 hour proofing period until puffy, preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the loaf with egg wash, arrange the two naturally dyed boiled eggs on top, and place the twisted ropes over them to form a cross. Brush again with egg wash and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and at 185°F internally. If it browns too fast, cover with foil. Let it cool for at least 90 minutes before slicing to soften the texture.

Notes

🥚 Add dyed eggs only after second proof to prevent sinking.
🥛 Use full-fat milk for richer flavor and softer texture.
🛍️ Store wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising and proofing time: 3 to 4 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Portuguese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 201 kcal
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 8 g

Keywords: Folar de Pascoa,Easter bread,Portuguese sweet bread,Traditional holiday bread