German Stollen Bread Recipe

As the festive season approaches, there’s a familiar scent that fills my kitchen, signaling the start of a cherished tradition – baking a traditional German stollen bread. The process of creating this iconic Christmas treat is not just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing the warmth and joy that baking brings, especially during the holiday season.

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the sweet notes of marzipan and dried fruits, creating a sensory experience that evokes memories of cozy gatherings and joyful celebrations. This easy German stollen recipe has been passed down through generations, each loaf telling a story of tradition and love.

With this homemade stollen recipe, I invite you to embark on a culinary journey to discover the best stollen dough recipe that captures the essence of German holiday baking. Let’s dive into the details of how to make stollen bread at home and infuse your kitchen with the spirit of Christmas.

So, grab your apron and let’s unravel the secrets of this authentic Dresden stollen bread tutorial, exploring the nuances of creating a Christmas stollen recipe that is not just a dessert but a symbol of festive cheer and togetherness. Let’s get started on this holiday baking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful holiday treat that symbolizes the spirit of Christmas, this homemade stollen recipe with marzipan and dried fruits is perfect for you. The rich flavors and traditional techniques used in this easy German stollen recipe create a festive masterpiece that will impress your family and friends.

Indulge in the joy of baking as you follow this step-by-step German stollen making guide, learning the tips and tricks that ensure your stollen turns out perfect every time. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this stollen recipe with candied peel will guide you through the process with ease and confidence.

Embrace the holiday season with this low sugar German stollen bread recipe that allows you to enjoy the flavors of Christmas without overwhelming sweetness. This gluten-free and vegan German stollen bread recipe offers a versatile option for those with dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can savor this festive delight.

With a generous dusting of icing sugar and a filling of almond paste, this almond-filled German stollen bread recipe elevates the traditional flavors to create a memorable holiday treat. The addition of rum-soaked raisins adds a decadent touch, making this stollen with rum-soaked raisins recipe a luxurious indulgence for the season.

Ingredients

Creating the perfect stollen starts with gathering the finest ingredients that form the heart of this beloved Christmas bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
All-purpose flour	3 cups	Key ingredient for the stollen dough
Marzipan	8 oz	Provides the signature almond flavor
Dried fruits (raisins, currants, citrus peel)	1 cup	Adds sweetness and texture
Yeast	2 tsp	Essential for leavening
Candied peel	1/2 cup	Enhances the fruitiness of the stollen

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and yeast, mixing well to ensure even distribution of the yeast.

2. Gradually add warm water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic, then let it rest in a warm place until it doubles in size.

4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the marzipan, dried fruits, and candied peel evenly over the surface.

5. Carefully roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges to encase the filling securely.

6. Transfer the stollen to a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes before baking in a preheated oven.

7. Once baked and cooled, dust the stollen with icing sugar and enjoy slices of this delectable almond-filled German stollen bread.

Tips for Success

1. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment to ensure proper fermentation.

2. Use high-quality marzipan for an authentic almond flavor that enhances the stollen’s taste.

3. Soak the dried fruits in rum overnight for a richer, more indulgent stollen experience.

4. Store the stollen in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out.

5. For a festive touch, decorate the stollen with chopped nuts or a drizzle of icing for an elegant presentation.

Variations & Substitutions

For a creative twist on the classic stollen recipe, consider these variations:

– Substitute the dried fruits with cranberries and apricots for a tangy flavor profile.

– Add a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version of the stollen.

– For a nut-free option, omit the almonds and replace them with pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

What to Serve With It

Pair slices of this almond-filled German stollen bread with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat. For a refreshing contrast, serve the stollen with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This festive stollen bread with rum-soaked raisins is a versatile dessert that complements a variety of accompaniments, making it a delightful addition to your holiday table. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting as a thoughtful present, this stollen recipe is sure to spread joy and cheer.

Storage & Reheating

To keep your stollen fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the stollen for longer storage, ensuring that it maintains its texture and flavor when thawed.

When ready to enjoy, simply reheat slices of the stollen in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. This will restore the softness of the bread and enhance the aroma of the marzipan and dried fruits.

Nutrition Facts

Each slice of this almond-filled German stollen bread provides a delightful blend of flavors and nutrients:

Calories	220
Protein	4g
Carbs	32g
Fat	9g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	18g
Sodium	150mg

This gluten-free and low sugar German stollen bread recipe is a suitable option for those looking for a festive treat that is not overly sweet and caters to various dietary preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfilling the stollen with marzipan and dried fruits, which can cause the dough to tear during shaping.

2. Not allowing the dough to rise sufficiently, resulting in a dense and heavy texture in the baked stollen.

3. Baking the stollen at too high a temperature, leading to uneven browning and a dry crust.

4. Cutting into the stollen while it is still warm, which can cause the filling to ooze out and the bread to lose its shape.

FAQ

1. Can I make this stollen recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stollen actually tastes better when made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

2. Can I use gluten-free flour for this stollen recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this stollen suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

3. How long can I store the stollen?

You can store the stollen at room temperature for up to a week or freeze it for longer shelf life. Just ensure it is well wrapped to prevent drying out.

4. Can I omit the rum-soaked raisins in this stollen recipe?

Of course! Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences by omitting the rum-soaked raisins or replacing them with another dried fruit of your choice.

Conclusion

Embark on a culinary adventure this holiday season with the joy of baking your very own almond-filled German stollen bread. This festive treat encapsulates the essence of Christmas with its rich flavors and heartwarming aroma, making it a must-have for your holiday table.

Indulge in the magic of traditional German baking with this easy stollen recipe that offers a delightful blend of marzipan, dried fruits, and candied peel. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea by the fireplace or shared with loved ones during a festive gathering, this stollen bread is sure to create lasting memories of joy and togetherness.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the spirit of Christmas guide you as you bake this almond-filled German stollen bread to share the love and warmth of the season. Happy baking!