Holiday Crescent Braid
A delightful holiday pastry featuring flaky potato dough filled with apricot preserves and raisins, topped with sliced almonds and a rum-flavored glaze. Its festive appearance and rich, sweet flavors make it perfect for sharing during special celebrations with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll each part of dough into a rectangle, 15 x 6 inches, on a lightly floured board.
- Spread each rectangle with half the butter.
- Place the rectangles on greased baking sheets.
- At 1-inch intervals along the long sides of each rectangle, make 2-inch cuts with scissors.
- Spread apricot preserves over the rectangles, avoiding the cuts.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds and raisins over the preserves.
- Fold the uncut center portion over the filling to form a braid.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with additional almonds if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drizzle with a mixture of rum flavoring and powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the sliced almonds before adding them to the filling. If you don't have apricot preserves, peach or orange marmalade can be a delightful substitute. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free dough recipe. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Crescent Braid makes a stunning centerpiece for brunch or dessert. Serve it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Irish Coffee Cake or can be enjoyed alongside a warm beverage for a cozy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the braid in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Crescent Braid contains roughly 387 calories, with 1g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 32g 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 potato dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What can I substitute for rum flavoring?
If you don't have rum flavoring, vanilla extract works well as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use almond extract for a different but complementary flavor profile.
Can I freeze the baked braid?
Yes, you can freeze the baked braid. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).