Stollen: Germany's Traditional Christmas Fruitcake_

 _Stollen: Germany's Traditional Christmas Fruitcake_

Dresden-born stollen, Germany's traditional Christmas fruitcake, is a sweet bread filled with buttery-dried fruits and nuts and spices. The classic sweet bread from Dresden, Saxony, has been selling at German Christmas markets for more than 700 years. Now, try to make this specialty at home by following our step-by-step guide.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened

- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

Active Dry Yeast: 2 tsp

 All-purpose flour: 3 cups (375g)

 Salt: 1 tsp

 Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp

 Ground cardamom: ½ tsp

 Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp

 Dried fruits: 1 cup (120g) raisins, currants, cranberries

 Chopped almonds: ½ cup (60g)

 Candied orange peel: ¼ cup (60g)

 Candied citron: ¼ cup (60g)

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Equipment:

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 Large mixing bowl

 Whisk

 Rubber spatula

 Stand mixer (optional)

 9x5-inch loaf pan

 Parchment paper

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

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_Step 1: Make the Dough_

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs and yeast.

3. Add to it flour, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.

4. Dough will be formed.

 

kneeling the Dough  

1. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.

2. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover and leave it in warm place for about an hour to rise

Filling Preparation  

1. Mix the dried fruits, almonds, candied orange peel and candied citron

 

Preparation of the Stollen  

Combine all the ingredients to form a dough.

1. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness

2. Spread the filling over center, leaving a 1-inch border.

3. Fold the dough over filling and press the edges to seal.

 

 

_Step 5: Bake_

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Place the stollen in the loaf pan and cover with parchment paper.

3. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until it becomes golden brown.

 

_Step 6: Glaze (optional)

 

1. Mix 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons (30g) milk.

2. Brush glaze over the cooled stollen.

 

Tips and Variations:

- The best ingredients will produce the best flavor.

- Rather than using dried fruits, use chocolate chips.

- Add some splash of rum or brandy

 

 

History and Fun Facts:

 

This dessert originated in the 14th-century Dresden. 

This is a traditional dessert that is usually brought out to show for Christmas.

Stollen is usually in the shape of a crescent moon. 

Conclusion: 

 

By following these easy steps, you'll bake an authentic German Stollen in no time. This traditional Christmas fruitcake will surely be a showstopper to your family and friends.

 

Recipe Variations:

- Mini Stollen: Use mini loaf pans

- Gluten-Free Stollen: Use gluten-free flour.

- Vegan Stollen: Replace eggs with flaxseed.

Would you like me to:

1. Share variations of the Stollen recipe 

2. Write articles about other German desserts

3. Create a list of indispensable German baking ingredients

Let me know!