Description
This Red Ribbon Gift Loaf (also known as German Kuchen) is made in the shape of a gift with ribbons and a bow on top. The ribbons look like they are actually baked with the bread.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 packets instant (rapid rise) yeast
- 1 Tbsp. finely grated orange zest
- 1 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp. ground mace
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup currants
- 1/3 cup golden raisins
- 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped (or other dried or candied fruits)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
Instructions
- In large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, orange peel, cardamom, mace and salt. Heat milk, water and butter until very warm (120°F to 130°F). Gradually, add to flour mixture; beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.
- Add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. With spoon, stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. I used a Danish dough whisk to finish mixing the dough.
- Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. The dough should feel soft and subtle at this point. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Punch dough down; turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead in fruits and almonds.
- Divide dough in half; shape into two 5 x 5-inch square loaves. Place loaves on large greased baking sheet.
- Cut four 18 x 2-inch strips of foil. Fold in half lengthwise. Grease one side of each strip. Mark loaves for tying ribbon after baking by crossing two strips on top of each loaf, greased side down, making “+” shape. Tuck ends of strips under loaves.
- Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Brush egg white on loaves.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until done.
- Remove from sheet; discard foil and let cool on wire rack.
- When cool, tie loaves with 1-inch wide ribbon. Making bow at top.
- Category: Sweet Bread
- Cuisine: Holiday