Chilean Easter Bread, known locally as “Pan de Pascua,” is a cherished holiday treat enjoyed during the Easter season. This aromatic and richly flavored loaf is a delightful blend of warm spices and festive mix-ins, creating a symphony of tastes and textures with every bite.
To begin the process, one must preheat the oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C), ensuring a perfect baking environment. A loaf pan is greased and floured, preparing it for a batter that promises decadence. The dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and a medley of spices including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger—are whisked together until well-blended, filling the kitchen with their inviting fragrance.
In a separate bowl, butter is lovingly creamed until it reaches a light and fluffy consistency, reminiscent of clouds. Gradually, beaten eggs are incorporated, followed by the aromatic touch of vanilla extract and the smooth addition of milk, creating a harmonious blend of wet ingredients. This mixture is then slowly combined with the spiced flour concoction, forming a batter that speaks of tradition and comfort.
The batter transforms as golden raisins, chopped walnuts, and optionally, diced candied fruit are folded in, adding bursts of sweetness and crunch. Once poured into the loaf pan and smoothed to perfection, an optional egg wash can be brushed on top, promising a glistening, golden finish.
Baked to perfection in about an hour, the bread emerges, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma. After a brief cooling period in the pan, it is transferred to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Chilean Easter Bread is more than a holiday delicacy; it is a symbol of celebration, bringing families together with its warmth and tradition, making each slice a festive experience.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup diced candied fruit (optional)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 egg, for egg wash (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the beaten eggs to the creamed butter, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until well combined.
6. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the raisins, chopped walnuts, and diced candied fruit (if using).
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. If desired, brush the top of the batter with the beaten egg for an egg wash.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.