Best Easy Colomba Pasquale Recipe

Dove-shaped Easter cake glazed with almonds and pearl sugar symbolizes peace and spring. This festive mediterranean bread is a beloved family tradition during Easter celebrations.

Cook 360 min Difficulty HARD 420 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 3.5 cups
  • active dry yeast 2.25 tsp
  • whole milk 0.75 cup
  • unsalted butter 0.75 cup
  • large eggs 3 pieces
  • egg yolks 2 pieces
  • granulated sugar 0.75 cup
  • candied orange peel 0.5 cup
  • lemon zest 2 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vanilla extract 1 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • whole blanched almonds 0.5 cup
  • pearl sugar 3 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 55 g 53%
Protein 9 g 9%
Fat 16 g 38%
Serving size 110g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Warm the milk gently until just lukewarm (about 100°F); dissolve active dry yeast in the milk and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Create a well and add eggs, yolks, the yeast-milk mixture, and vanilla extract; combine to form a sticky dough.

  3. 3

    Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, gradually adding room-temperature butter. Once smooth and elastic, fold in lemon zest and candied orange peel.

  4. 4

    Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled—about 3 hours. Punch down, shape into a rough dove form, and place into a classic colomba mold, or two loaf pans end to end.

  5. 5

    Cover and allow a second rise (about 2 hours) until the dough fills the pan. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the surface with egg wash, top with blanched almonds and pearl sugar evenly.

  6. 6

    Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes until deep golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What ingredients give Colomba Pasquale its signature flavor?
Candied orange peel and lemon zest are key to Colomba Pasquale's delicate, aromatic flavor profile, while vanilla extract and butter create a rich, fragrant crumb. The almond and pearl sugar topping adds tradition and crunch, embodying the cake’s festive identity.
Q. How can I keep the Colomba Pasquale moist and fluffy during baking?
Achieving the right texture requires patiently kneading the enriched dough and allowing full rising between each stage. Make sure not to rush the proofing, and bake at 350°F only after the dough has doubled, ensuring a soft, airy crumb without dryness.
Q. How do I prevent the cake from overbaking or drying out?
Keep a close eye during the last 5–10 minutes of baking. Insert a skewer to test doneness—when it emerges clean and the top is deep golden, remove immediately. Cooling fully in the pan also helps retain moisture and improves final texture.
Q. What are the nutrition values per serving for this Colomba Pasquale recipe?
Each 110g serving of Colomba Pasquale provides approximately 420 kcal, with 55g carbohydrates (53%), 9g protein (9%), and 16g fat (38%), making it a moderately sweet, enriched holiday bread ideal for sharing on special occasions.
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