4 Regional Spanish Easter Cakes You’ll Love This Spring
The Mona de Pascua, or "Easter Cake," is a beloved Spanish treat special in Easter celebrations, especially in regions like Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands. This sweet bread, often decorated with colorful eggs, symbolizes the end of Lent and is traditionally gifted by godparents to their godchildren on Easter Sunday. However, in recent years, this has become a treasured family tradition, with grandparents and friends also enjoying the role of bringing this symbolic cake to the Easter table.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Warm milk
- 2 Large eggs
- 2 tbsp Softened butter
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) Active dry yeast
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
- 1 tsp Orange blossom water or anise (optional)
For Decoration:
- 4-6 Hard-boiled eggs (dyed, if desired) or chocolate eggs
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for garnish
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center, and add the eggs, yeast mixture, butter, and the optional flavoring (either orange blossom water or anise).
- Knead the Dough: Mix the ingredients until a dough begins to form. Knead on a floured surface or in a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it as desired. Popular shapes include a round loaf or a ring. Press the hard-boiled eggs (if using) into the dough and gently press down.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 15-20 minutes.
- Decorate and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the dough with a beaten egg wash for a golden finish, then add sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Mona de Pascua is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool before serving. Add chocolate eggs or additional sprinkles after cooling if desired.