🎄 Christmas Tree Bread Recipe 🎄
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: Not specified
Calories per Serving: 236.8 kcal
Fat: 8.1g
Saturated Fat: 2.4g
Cholesterol: 24.1mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 38.4g
Fiber: 0.8g
Sugar: 14.9g
Protein: 3.4g
Description:
This delightful Christmas Tree Bread is a holiday morning winner! With a delicious filling that can be prepared ahead of time, and the dry ingredients measured out the night before, you can quickly whip up a treat to enjoy with coffee while unwrapping presents. This recipe has its roots in an old General Foods kitchen recipe, with a personal variation added for extra flavor and charm.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup candied citron peel
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup cake-and-pastry flour
- 2 tsp double-acting baking powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon rind
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cream
Instructions:
-
Make the Filling:
- Combine raisins, candied citron peel, 1/4 cup sugar, boiling water, and lemon juice in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved and the mixture has thickened somewhat.
- Allow the filling to cool.
-
Make the Dough:
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 3 tbsp sugar.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add the fresh lemon rind.
- Combine the beaten egg with the cream and add to the dry ingredients, stirring lightly with a fork until all the flour is dampened.
- Turn the soft dough out onto a floured board and knead for about 30 seconds.
-
Shape the Tree:
- Cut a walnut-sized piece from the dough.
- Divide the remaining dough in half and roll each half out into a tree-shaped triangle, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Place one triangle on a greased baking sheet.
- Spread the filling over this triangle, leaving a 1/4″ border on all three sides.
- Moisten the edges.
- Lay the second triangle over the first and press the edges together to seal.
- With a sharp knife, cut 4 slits on each side of the tree, cutting to within 1/2″ of the center.
- Twist the tips upward to resemble branches and expose the filling.
- Roll the small piece of dough into a cylinder and place it at the bottom of the tree to make the trunk.
-
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the assembled tree in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Serve:
- Allow the Christmas Tree Bread to cool slightly.
- Frost with fondant or dust with icing sugar glaze along the branches.
- Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavors!
This delightful Christmas Tree Bread is not only delicious but also adds a festive touch to your holiday table. With its flaky layers and sweet filling, it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home for many Christmases to come.
