Nana'S Christmas Bread
Nana's Christmas Bread is a rich, fragrant sweet bread filled with candied fruit and raisins, topped with a powdered sugar glaze, perfect for festive occasions and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat milk almost to boiling and stir in sugar, butter, and salt. Let cool to lukewarm.
- Add dissolved yeast mixture and stir in 3 cups of flour. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Add ground cardamom and beaten eggs to the mixture.
- Mix candied fruit and raisins with 1/4 cup flour and add to the dough.
- Add just enough flour to make a soft dough that is not sticky, about 1 cup.
- Knead on a well-floured board for about 6 minutes.
- Cover and let rise until light, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans.
- Punch down the dough and divide in half. Place each half in a loaf pan.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake for an additional 50 minutes or until browned.
- Combine powdered sugar and milk; mix well and drizzle over cooled bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or adding a dash of vanilla extract. If you don't have cardamom, ground cinnamon can be a suitable substitute. Ensure the milk is only lukewarm when adding the yeast to avoid killing it. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly. Using fresh yeast instead of dry may also yield a fluffier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This festive bread is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It can also be served alongside a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea during holiday gatherings. For a special treat, consider drizzling some honey or maple syrup over each slice. It's a perfect accompaniment to brunch or served with Jean'S Cheese Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in foil or freezer bags. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Christmas Bread contains roughly 445 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value), potassium (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% 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 a different type of fruit in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the citron or candied cherries with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that any substitute you choose complements the other ingredients and maintains a similar texture.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the water used for dissolving it is warm, not hot. If the dough is too cold, try placing it in a warm spot or near a heat source to encourage rising.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping it into loaves and allowing it to rise again before 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).