Christmas Braid
A festive, sweet bread with a beautiful braided appearance, filled with candied fruit, raisins, nuts, and flavored with vanilla. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it offers a delightful combination of fruity and nutty flavors with a tender, slightly sweet crumb, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in a little warm water and let it activate.
- Mix the shortening, salt, sugar, egg, vanilla, and lukewarm milk together.
- Add the yeast mixture to the milk mixture, then incorporate the flour gradually, mixing well.
- Stir in the raisins, candied fruit, and nuts.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts.
- Roll each part into a long, even strip.
- Braid the three strips together and form into a wreath or braid shape.
- Let the braided dough rise until light and puffy.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using melted butter instead of shortening in the dough. If you prefer, you can substitute dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for the mixed candied fruit. Make sure to knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives the braid its structure. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought dough for an even quicker version of this festive treat.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Braid is delightful on its own or served with butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. It pairs beautifully with a warm mug of spiced cider or coffee for a cozy breakfast or brunch. For a festive spread, consider serving it alongside other holiday treats like the Apricot Nectar Pound Cake or a selection of cheeses and fruits.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To freeze, wrap the braid tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Braid contains roughly 502 calories, with 8g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% 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 cake yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute. Use about 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast to replace the cake yeast. There's no need to activate it in water; simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Christmas Braid vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, ensure that the candied fruits and nuts are free from animal products.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date of your yeast, and ensure the milk is lukewarm, not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. If the dough is still stubborn, consider placing it in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
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).