Stollen Bread
A rich, fruit-filled traditional German bread with raisins, candied fruit, and nuts, perfect for festive occasions and enjoyed with powdered sugar or icing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water; add 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Cut all fruit and nuts into small pieces as desired.
- Scald milk in a double boiler over low heat.
- Add sugar and salt; mix well.
- Cool the mixture and add yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour; beat well.
- Add remaining flour and mix until dough forms a ball free from the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a floured board; place in a greased bowl.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough.
- Roll out to a 9 x 12 inch rectangle.
- Cover with fruit, nuts, and roll up like a jelly roll.
- Brush the top with oil.
- Let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 375°F until golden, about 25 minutes.
- Cover with powdered sugar or white icing.
- Add a few fruits and nuts on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy to the dough. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. Ensure the yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on your preference or what's available. This stollen pairs beautifully with Victorian Cookies for a festive treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stollen bread as a delightful breakfast or brunch option, accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a lovely dessert when paired with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve it alongside Summer Cantaloupe Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stollen bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stollen Bread contains roughly 849 calories, with 17g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1476mg per serving (64% 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 different types of flour for this stollen?
Yes, while plain flour is recommended for the best texture, you can substitute a portion with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just be aware that it may result in a denser loaf.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, check that your yeast is still active. You can test it by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar; it should foam up. Additionally, ensure the dough is in a warm place to rise, free from drafts.
How can I add more flavor to my stollen?
For enhanced flavor, consider adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough. You can also incorporate zest from oranges or lemons to brighten the flavors of the stollen.
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).