For a richer flavor, try using brown butter instead of margarine. If you don't have candied citron peel, you can substitute with orange zest. Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. Consider soaking the raisins and cherries in rum or brandy overnight for added flavor.
Swiss Christmas Bread
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PREP TIME0 mins
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COOK TIME0 mins
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TOTAL TIME0 mins
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SERVING18 People
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VIEWS12
A festive, domed sweet bread, richly studded with fruits and nuts, perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Its aromatic spices and delicate sweetness make it a memorable addition to any Christmas celebration.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate37 g
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Cholesterol13 mg
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Fiber1 g
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Protein5 g
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Saturated Fat1 g
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Sodium187 mg
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Sugar9 g
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Fat5 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
5 mins
Warm the liquids: In a saucepan, gently heat the milk, water, and margarine until the margarine is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch (about 100-110°F or 38-43°C). Be careful not to scald the milk. (5 minutes)
02
Step
2 mins
Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of the flour, yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, nutmeg, mace, and cloves. Add the warm milk mixture and the egg. (2 minutes)
03
Step
5 mins
Mix the dough: Using an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment (or a hand mixer), blend the ingredients on low speed until just moistened. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 3 minutes. (5 minutes)
04
Step
10 mins
Incorporate fruits and nuts: By hand, stir in the raisins, candied cherries, citron peel, walnuts, and enough of the remaining flour to form a firm, slightly sticky dough. (10 minutes)
05
Step
8 mins
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-8 minutes. (8 minutes)
06
Step
1 hrs
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. (60 minutes)
07
Step
1 hrs
Shape and second rise: Punch the dough down gently. Shape it into a round loaf and place it in a greased 2-quart casserole dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled again, about 1 hour. (60 minutes)
08
Step
5 mins
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar. (5 minutes)
09
Step
45 mins
Baking Time: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the loaf is deep golden brown. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. (45 minutes)
10
StepCool: Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Enola Wehner
Jun 26, 2025This recipe is fantastic! The bread turned out beautifully, and the aroma filled my kitchen. My family loved it!
Kailee Kuhn
Jun 21, 2025A wonderful recipe. It's a bit time-consuming with the double rise, but the result is well worth the effort.
Carlee Russelschroeder
Jun 14, 2025I had some issues with the dough being too sticky. Next time, I'll add a little more flour during the kneading process.
Frederic Connelly
Jun 8, 2025I followed the recipe exactly, and it was perfect. The tips about the fruit and the brown butter were especially helpful.