Kugelhupf(Christmas Bread)
Kugelhupf is a festive European bread with candied fruit, currants, and orange rind, offering a rich, sweet flavor perfect for holiday celebrations or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast over 1/4 cup warm water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add milk, water, margarine, sugar, salt, eggs, and orange rind to the yeast mixture. Stir until well mixed.
- Add 6 cups of flour and work until well combined.
- Add candied fruit and currants, then add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into loaves.
- Let the loaves rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Kugelhupf, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. If you don't have evaporated milk, regular milk or a non-dairy alternative can work as a substitute. For a twist, try incorporating chopped nuts or swapping dried fruit for the candied fruit. This recipe can also be adapted into a sweet bread pudding if you have leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kugelhupf warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple glaze for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to your holiday brunch. Consider serving it alongside a fruit bowl or any of your favorite desserts like the Christmas Special Fruitcake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Kugelhupf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm individual pieces in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for a few seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kugelhupf(Christmas Bread) contains roughly 4241 calories, with 18g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 396g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in this recipe. Just make sure to activate it in warm water first, as directed in the instructions. This allows the yeast to bloom, ensuring a good rise in your dough.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or a plant-based butter alternative. This will add richness and flavor to the bread while keeping it moist.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels airy. You can check by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready to punch down. This ensures a light and fluffy Kugelhupf.
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).