Kerststol - Dutch Christmas Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 250ml (1 cup) lukewarm milk 250ml (1 cup) lukewarm milk
• 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cardamom ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp salt ½ tsp salt
• 150g (1 cup) raisins 150g (1 cup) raisins
• 100g (¾ cup) currants 100g (¾ cup) currants
• 100g (¾ cup) candied citrus peel 100g (¾ cup) candied citrus peel
• 100g (¾ cup) chopped almonds 100g (¾ cup) chopped almonds
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (25g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the lukewarm milk while stirring, followed by the softened butter and eggs.
3. 3.
   Mix in the cinnamon, cardamom, and salt until the dough comes together.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the raisins, currants, candied citrus peel, chopped almonds, lemon zest, and orange zest.
7. 7.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle shape.
8. 8.
   Spread the fruit and nut mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Carefully roll the dough into a log, tucking in the filling as you go.
10. 10.
    Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
11. 11.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
12. 12.
    Bake the Kerststol for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
14. 14.
    Once cooled, dust the Kerststol generously with powdered sugar.
15. 15.
    Slice and serve this festive Dutch Christmas Bread with joy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the almonds lightly before chopping them to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra festive touch, soak the raisins and currants in rum or orange juice overnight before using them in the recipe.
• If you prefer a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange blossom water to the dough.
• Serve the Kerststol warm with a dollop of whipped cream or butter for an indulgent treat.
• To keep the Kerststol fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
• This bread makes a wonderful edible gift during the holiday season.

Serving advice

Slice the Kerststol into thick slices and serve it as a centerpiece for your Christmas breakfast or brunch. Accompany it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a truly cozy and festive experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Kerststol on a beautiful platter, dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Garnish the platter with fresh sprigs of holly or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and color.