Christmas Cake
Christmas Bread - The Delight of the Holidays
Christmas bread is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition, a childhood memory, a warm embrace of the holidays. Every year, when Christmas arrives, its inviting aroma brings us together, fills our hearts with joy, and reminds us of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. This bread recipe is the result of years of trials and improvements, and every detail is carefully thought out to achieve a fluffy, aromatic, and delicious bread.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large breads
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 kg and 200 gr of pastry flour (choose a high-quality flour)
- 100 gr of butter (preferably, fatty butter)
- 300 ml of warm milk (ideally richer)
- 150 gr of yogurt (one jar)
- 400 gr of sugar (preferably powdered sugar for easier incorporation)
- 3 eggs and 4 yolks
- 70 gr of fresh yeast (one cube of 50 gr and almost half more)
- 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of Indian saffron (turmeric, for color)
- vanilla (essence or pod)
- rum essence
- grated orange peel (or lemon, to taste)
For the filling:
- 300 gr of ground walnuts
- one jar of Nutella
- brown sugar (to sprinkle over the walnuts)
- vanilla (to taste)
- rum essence
- Turkish delight (cubes, colored)
- golden raisins
For brushing:
- 2 yolks
- 5 tablespoons of warm milk
- 1 teaspoon of oil
Preparation
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are taken out of the fridge a few hours before starting. It is essential for them to reach room temperature to activate the yeast properly.
2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix 50 gr of warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Let it ferment for about 12 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an important step, as the activated yeast will help the dough rise.
3. Mixing the liquid ingredients: Gently heat the remaining milk and add the yogurt and diced butter. Stir until the butter completely melts. Then, add the flavors: rum, orange peel, and vanilla. I always recommend more vanilla, but adjust according to your taste.
4. Forming the dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour. Place the salt on the edge of the bowl. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast, eggs, and sugar. Pour in the milk and butter mixture. Start kneading the dough. Gradually add the 5 tablespoons of oil, continuing to knead for about 15 minutes. It is important to stop every 5 minutes to add the remaining two tablespoons of oil. The dough should become elastic and no longer stick to your hands.
5. Caring for the dough: Once you have a well-kneaded dough, place it in a bowl covered with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or 1 hour and 15 minutes until it doubles in volume. An ideal spot is near a slightly warm stove.
6. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Mix the ground walnuts with brown sugar, vanilla, and rum essence. This mixture will add a rich flavor to the bread.
7. Forming the bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. Each piece is divided into 5 parts. Roll each piece into a square sheet of 25/25 cm. On the first sheet, sprinkle raisins, roll it up, and place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. On the second sheet, place cubes of Turkish delight, roll it up and place it next to the first. Continue this way with the other sheets: Nutella and walnuts, then Nutella and walnuts with sugar and rum essence, and finally, raisins and Turkish delight. Layer all the rolls in the tray.
8. Second rise: After forming the breads, brush them with a mixture of yolks, warm milk, and oil. Let them rise for another 25 minutes.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat). The breads bake for 45-50 minutes. If you notice they are browning too quickly, leave the oven door slightly ajar in the last 5-10 minutes. The delicious smell of bread will be the indication that they are ready.
10. Cooling: Once the breads are baked, let them cool at room temperature without forcing them. Cut them only after they have completely cooled. The flavors and perfect texture of the dough will unfold.
Useful tips
- Choosing ingredients: Use the best ingredients, especially butter, to achieve a rich taste.
- Check the yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. If it is old, the dough will not rise properly.
- Do not open the oven: In the first 30 minutes of baking, avoid opening the oven door to prevent temperature drop.
- Cooling: Let the breads cool completely before cutting them to avoid a wet and sticky dough.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fillings?
Yes, you can experiment with chocolate, jams, or even dried fruits. Each variation will offer a unique note.
2. How can I store the breads?
Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be frozen to be enjoyed later.
3. How much time is needed to prepare the bread?
In total, you need about 2 and a half hours, including rising and baking time.
Serving and pairings
Christmas bread is delicious served plain, but it can be accompanied by a cup of warm tea or flavored coffee. It also pairs perfectly with a glass of mulled wine or chocolate liqueur.
When serving the bread, do not forget to share the joy and memories it brings. Each slice is an invitation to stories and unforgettable moments with loved ones.
In conclusion, preparing Christmas bread is a fulfilling experience filled with memories. Whether you make it for your family or to give as a gift, each bread is a culinary work of art. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy a holiday full of love and good taste!
Happy Holidays!
Ingredients: 1 kg and 200 g of pastry flour, 100 g of butter (choose the best), 300 ml of warm milk (preferably whole), 150 g of yogurt (one small jar), 400 g of sugar (powdered), 3 eggs and 4 yolks, 70 g of fresh yeast (one 50 g cube and almost half more), 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil, a pinch of salt, a pinch of saffron from India (turmeric), vanilla, rum essence, grated orange peel (or lemon if desired). Filling: 300 g of ground walnuts, one jar of Nutella, brown sugar for sprinkling over the walnuts, vanilla, rum essence, Turkish delight, golden raisins, 2 yolks for brushing, 5 tablespoons of warm milk, 1 teaspoon of oil.
