Bohemian Christmas Braid
A festive, sweet braided bread filled with raisins, walnuts, and lemon zest, perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
- Combine milk, sugar, and shortening; cool to lukewarm, then add to yeast mixture.
- Beat in eggs and half of the flour. Add lemon rind, mace, salt, raisins, and chopped walnuts.
- Stir in the remaining flour.
- Knead the dough until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Divide dough equally in half, then each half into thirds.
- Roll out each piece into a long roll and braid them together.
- Shape the braided dough into a circle, pinching the ends together.
- Let rise until light.
- Brush with a mixture of 1 beaten egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then ice and decorate with maraschino cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a touch of nutmeg along with the mace. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds work well as substitutes. Ensure your milk is scalded properly to help the dough rise effectively. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought dough for a quick version, though the homemade texture is unmatched.
Serving Suggestions
This festive braid is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a complete holiday spread, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or browsing more vegetarian recipes to complement the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Christmas braid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to refresh its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bohemian Christmas Braid contains roughly 2869 calories, with 37g protein, 622g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount, but you can skip the proofing step with lukewarm water. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients for a quicker preparation.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots make excellent alternatives. They will add a nice tartness and sweetness to the braid, complementing the other flavors beautifully.
Can I make this braid ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Shape and bake it the next day for a fresh treat, or bake it ahead and freeze it, then reheat it for your holiday gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).