Christmas Bread
Christmas Bread is a festive, rich loaf featuring candied cherries, pineapple, and raisins, infused with vanilla and baked to golden perfection. Its moist, sweet flavor makes it ideal for holiday celebrations or special gatherings, delighting both traditionalists and those seeking a flavorful, fruit-studded bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk.
- Add sugar, margarine, and salt; cool to lukewarm.
- Add the dissolved yeast and 3 cups of flour; mix well and let rise for 1 hour.
- Add vanilla and beaten eggs to the risen mixture.
- Mix candied cherries, pineapple, and raisins with 1/4 cup of flour, then add to the dough.
- Add enough flour (about 4 cups) to make a soft, manageable dough.
- Knead well and let rise until light.
- Divide the dough into greased loaf pans.
- Let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Reduce temperature to 325°F and bake for about 40 minutes.
- Frost with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of skim. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. To enhance the sweetness, you can add a bit more sugar or use honey. Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which will give the bread a nice texture. If you're looking for a twist, try adding nuts or spices similar to those found in Prune Nut Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Christmas Bread warm, optionally topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for breakfast or a festive brunch. For a delightful treat, consider serving it alongside Homemade Fudge or a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Christmas Bread 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 three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Bread contains roughly 3895 calories, with 82g protein, 779g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (198% of the Daily Value), protein (165% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. 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 fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit, but be aware that it may alter the moisture content and texture of the bread. If you use fresh fruit, ensure they are well-drained and chopped into small pieces to avoid excess liquid. You might also want to slightly reduce the amount of milk in the recipe.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
To check if the bread is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Additionally, the bread should have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, bring it back to room temperature, shape it into loaves, and let it rise again before baking. This can enhance the bread's flavor and texture.
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).