Save 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 classic French dessert always brings smiles during holiday gatherings.
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.
Save This bread always brings my family together, sharing stories as we bite into its sweet crust.
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
Save Enjoy this festive bread fresh with loved ones for the best experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → What flour is best for the dough?
All-purpose flour provides the right balance for a soft yet structured dough suitable for rising and shaping.
- → How do I achieve a glossy finish?
Brushing the baked bread with warmed apricot jam adds a beautiful shine and a subtle fruity sweetness.
- → Can I substitute candied fruits?
Yes, you can use a variety of candied fruits or add slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- → What’s the purpose of the orange zest in the dough?
Orange zest infuses the bread with a fresh, citrus aroma that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- → How long should the dough rise?
Let the dough rise twice: once for about an hour until doubled, and again for 30-40 minutes after shaping for optimal lightness.