Christmas Stolen Bread
A festive, sweet bread filled with dried fruits and candied cherries, perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with loved ones during Christmas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the active dry yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and let it sit until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine milk, sugar, melted margarine, salt, and vanilla.
- Add the beaten eggs and the dissolved yeast mixture to the bowl.
- Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead in the chopped candied cherries, pineapple, and raisins.
- Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or desired shape.
- Place in a greased baking pan and let rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
- Combine the sifted confectioners sugar with a little water or milk to make a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. If you don't have margarine, you can substitute with unsalted butter. For a twist, consider adding chopped nuts or using a mix of dried fruits instead of just raisins. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for best results, and be careful not to over-knead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the Stolen Bread as a festive breakfast treat or afternoon snack, pairing it with a warm cup of tea or coffee. It also pairs beautifully with a rich cheese spread, like a Plains Cheese Ring, for a delightful appetizer. This bread can be enjoyed plain or with butter for an extra indulgent experience.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, wrap the Stolen Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Stolen Bread contains roughly 2646 calories, with 50g protein, 260g carbohydrates, and 157g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (135% of the Daily Value), protein (100% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value). 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 yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for active dry yeast. Use about three times the amount of fresh yeast as the dry version, and dissolve it in the warm water as directed in the recipe. The rise times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the dough.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of Christmas Stolen Bread, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce for binding. Use plant-based milk and margarine, ensuring they are dairy-free. For added flavor, you might want to include a touch of almond extract along with the vanilla.
What can I do if my dough didn't rise?
If your dough didn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or cold temperatures. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking it in warm water before mixing. If the kitchen is too cool, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) 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).