Description
A traditional German Christmas bread rich with butter, dried fruits, nuts, citrus zest, and warm spices, finished with a thick snowy coating of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, dried apricots)
1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel
1/2 cup chopped almonds (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup rum or orange juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Soak the dried fruits, candied citrus peel, and lemon zest in rum or orange juice for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain well and set aside.
- Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it stand until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and spices. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and yeast mixture to form a dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then gently fold in the soaked fruits, citrus peel, and almonds.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into an oval, fold slightly off-center, and let rise again.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Immediately brush with melted butter and dust generously with powdered sugar. Cool completely and dust again before serving.
Notes
The flavor improves after resting for 1–2 days.
Orange juice can be used instead of rum for a non-alcoholic version.
Marzipan can be added to the center for a traditional variation.
Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
