Swedish Tea Ring
Swedish Tea Ring is a delightful, sweet bread filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, cherries, and pecans, shaped into a ring and snipped for a decorative appearance. Its rich flavors and festive look make it perfect for special occasions or brunch gatherings, offering a comforting, aromatic experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Combine scalded milk, shortening, sugar, and salt; cool to lukewarm.
- Add 1 cup of flour and the beaten egg; beat well.
- Add enough flour to make a soft dough.
- Knead lightly on a floured surface.
- Place in a greased bowl, turn once to grease the surface, and cover.
- Let rise until double in bulk.
- Roll into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Spread brown sugar, cinnamon, cherries, and pecans evenly over the dough.
- Roll up lengthwise and seal the edges.
- Shape into a ring on a greased cookie sheet.
- Snip almost to the center at 1-inch intervals with scissors or hot knife.
- Let rise again until doubled in bulk.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm, not hot. If you want a richer flavor, consider substituting some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. For an extra touch, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts can be used instead of pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Swedish Tea Ring warm or at room temperature, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It pairs beautifully with Butter Cream Icing for a sweet touch. Consider serving it alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, or even with a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the ring moist, you can wrap it in plastic wrap. If you want to reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Tea Ring contains roughly 1030 calories, with 13g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% 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 the filling?
Yes, you can substitute the maraschino cherries with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor profile. You might also consider using fresh fruits, but be sure to adjust the sugar accordingly, as fresh fruits can be less sweet.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and shape the ring a day in advance. After shaping, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning for a freshly baked treat.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure the yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm spot, like an oven with just the light on. If necessary, you can also add a bit of sugar to help activate the yeast.
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).