This tender, lightly sweetened bread is filled with dried fruits, nuts, and fragrant citrus zest. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, it’s soft, rich, and beautifully twisted for a stunning presentation.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 chicken eggs
- 40 g sugar (3 tablespoons)
- 400 ml warm milk (1 ¾ cups)
- 7 g dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 100 ml vegetable oil (7 tablespoons)
- 750 g flour (6 cups, plus extra for dusting)
- 5 g salt (1 teaspoon)
- For the Filling:
- 100 g softened butter (for greasing dough)
- 100 g raisins (⅔ cup)
- 60 g dried cranberries (½ cup)
- 50 g chopped walnuts (½ cup)
- Zest of 1 tangerine (or lemon or orange)
- For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, beat 2 eggs and 40 g sugar together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix 400 ml warm milk, 7 g dry yeast, and 100 ml vegetable oil. Stir well to dissolve the yeast.
- Gradually add the milk mixture to the egg mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Sift 750 g flour into the mixture and add 5 g salt. Mix the dough with a spatula, adding the flour in parts.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball.
- Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough in it, and cover with cling film. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead briefly on a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and shape each into a ball. Cover with cling film and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll out each ball into a rectangle (26×33 cm or 10×13 inches). Spread softened butter over the surface, sprinkle with sugar, and grate tangerine zest over the dough.
- Evenly distribute raisins, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts over the dough.
Step 4: Roll and Shape
- Roll each dough rectangle tightly into a log. For a decorative effect, slice each log lengthwise and twist the two halves together.
- Grease an 18 cm (7 inch) baking dish with butter and place the twisted dough in it. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the bread for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a breakfast treat with coffee or tea.
- Serve as a festive dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If the bread browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil while baking.
- Customize the filling with your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or spices like cinnamon.
Nutritional Benefits
- Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Cranberries and Raisins: Provide natural sweetness and are high in fiber.
- Citrus Zest: Adds vitamin C and a burst of flavor.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice – Approx. 12 slices):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A stunning centerpiece for holiday tables or celebrations.
- Soft, fluffy texture with bursts of sweet and nutty flavors.
- Versatile recipe that can be customized to taste.
- Perfect balance of sweetness and richness, ideal for any time of day.
Conclusion
This Sweet Holiday Bread with Raisins, Cranberries, and Walnuts is a delightful addition to any celebration. With its rich flavors, soft texture, and eye-catching presentation, it’s a treat that brings warmth and joy to every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, substitute the same amount and skip the activation step. - What if I don’t have tangerines?
Use lemon or orange zest for similar flavor. - Can I use whole wheat flour?
Replace up to half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise and use it within 24 hours. - How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Roll the dough tightly and avoid overfilling. - Can I omit the dried cranberries or raisins?
Yes, substitute with other dried fruits or leave them out entirely. - What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well. - How do I ensure the bread stays soft?
Store it in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving. - Can I add spices to the dough?
Yes, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom enhance the flavor. - How do I reheat frozen bread?
Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes.
Enjoy this delicious holiday bread and impress your guests with its flavor and beauty!