Description
A beautiful and cozy braided bread wreath filled with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, perfect for any brunch or dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¾ cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Warm the milk to lukewarm, sprinkle the yeast with a pinch of sugar, and let bloom for 5-10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
- Mix the yeast mixture into the flour with beaten eggs and softened butter until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Knead by hand or in a mixer for 8-10 minutes, then cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling by chopping pistachios and pulsing dried cranberries, then combine with softened butter, powdered sugar, orange zest, and a pinch of salt until spreadable.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (12 by 18 inches) and spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border.
- Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, then slice the log lengthwise into two halves, exposing the swirled layers.
- Twist the two halves together with cut sides up, then curve it into a circle and seal the ends on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let proof for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out mostly clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then glaze with powdered sugar or sprinkle with pistachios.
- Let cool before slicing for the filling to set.
Notes
Let the yeast proof to ensure a good rise. Avoid overfilling the braid to prevent leakage. Toast pistachios for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baked Goods
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg