Strawberry Braid
A delightful strawberry-filled braided bread with a hint of wheat, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 pkg. active dry yeast
- 1/2 c. warm water (105 to 115 degrees F) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. lukewarm milk, scalded and cooled ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) jar strawberry jam ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl.
- Stir in granulated sugar, 1/2 cup milk, the butter, eggs, salt, whole wheat flour, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture. If you don't have strawberry jam, raspberry or apricot preserves can be a delightful substitute. Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date. When mixing, avoid over-kneading the dough to keep the braid light and airy.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Braid is perfect for brunch or as a delightful dessert. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top, or pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Mama Heidi's Quick Blackberry Cobbler for a mixed dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Strawberry Braid 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, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Braid contains roughly 2464 calories, with 67g protein, 324g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and iron (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2169mg per serving (94% 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 make this braid ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then shape it and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This can enhance the flavors and make preparation easier.
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).