Pin A festive and dazzling sweet bread shaped like a crown, adorned with colorful candied fruits and sugar pearls—a showstopping centerpiece perfect for celebrations.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing a sweet sparkle to our table each year.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g all-purpose flour, 80 g granulated sugar, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 200 ml warm milk, 2 large eggs, 100 g unsalted butter softened, 1 tsp salt, zest of 1 orange, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Decoration: 100 g assorted candied fruits (cherries, orange peel, citron), 2 tbsp pearl sugar, 1 egg yolk (for egg wash), 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash), 1 tbsp apricot jam (for glazing)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, vanilla, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a large ring (crown) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 40 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 8:
- Whisk the egg yolk with milk and brush over the risen dough.
- Step 9:
- Decorate the crown with candied fruits and pearl sugar, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 11:
- While still warm, brush the crown with warmed apricot jam for shine. Let cool before serving.
Pin Our family loves the tradition of hiding a small figurine inside the bread, adding a fun surprise to our celebrations.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, stand mixer (optional), baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and dairy (butter, milk). Candied fruits may contain traces of nuts or sulfites check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 7 g per serving
Pin This crown bread brings festive joy with every bite and makes your celebrations unforgettable.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives the bread its unique crown shape?
The dough is shaped into a large ring before the final rise, creating the distinctive crown form.
- → Which fruits are used for decoration?
A mix of colorful candied fruits like cherries, orange peel, and citron add both flavor and festive appeal.
- → How is the shiny finish achieved?
After baking, the bread is brushed with warmed apricot jam, giving a glossy, appetizing look.
- → Can the dough be prepared without a stand mixer?
Yes, kneading by hand on a floured surface works well and helps develop the dough’s elasticity.
- → Are there any traditional variations to this bread?
Many include a hidden figurine inside the dough before baking for a festive surprise.