Christmas Bread Wreath
The Christmas Bread Wreath is a festive and visually stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. With sweet notes of almond, the rich bread is filled with a delightful mixture of sugars, spices, and fruits, making it perfect for gatherings or as a gift. It's a treat that suits all ages and adds a touch of cheer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place defrosted bread in oiled bowl and cover with tea towel. Let rise in warm place for 3 to 4 hours.
- Punch down (do not knead). Stretch onto an oiled cookie sheet to approximately 8 1/2 x 12-inch rectangle.
- Spread with soft butter or oleo.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, raisins, ground nuts, and candied fruits.
- Roll like a jelly roll.
- Wet hands and pinch ends together securely, making a large ring.
- Cut with scissors every 1/2-inch around the ring.
- Using hands, twist each section to lay flatter and hide the cookie sheet.
- Let rise until almost double in warm place.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350° until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh spices instead of ground ones, and feel free to substitute the almond flavoring with vanilla extract if desired. To enhance the sweetness, you can mix in some honey with the butter. If you don't have candied cherries, dried fruits can be a great alternative, providing a slightly different texture while still adding sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This festive wreath is perfect for holiday brunches and pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. Consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or your favorite holiday sides like Lazy Candied Yams for a complete meal. It also makes a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Christmas Bread Wreath in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to a month. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Bread Wreath contains roughly 3 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature and allow it to rise again before shaping and baking. This can enhance the flavor and save you time on the day you plan to serve it.
What can I use instead of nut halves?
If you're looking for alternatives to nut halves due to allergies or preferences, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You can also opt for coconut flakes or even omit them entirely for a nut-free version that still tastes delicious.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a spread like Nutella for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the moisture content to ensure the dough holds its shape while baking.
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).