Description
A stunning holiday bread wreath featuring soft, buttery babka dough filled with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, chopped pistachios, and a hint of orange zest perfect for festive breakfasts or dessert tables.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
2 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk and eggs; mix until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead in softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
6. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with pistachios, orange zest, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
7. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it lengthwise down the middle.
8. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up, forming a braid.
9. Shape into a circular wreath and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
12. Cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze before serving.
Notes
Make ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate overnight for a slower rise.
Try substituting the cranberry filling with raspberry jam or apricot preserves for variety.
The baked wreath freezes well — wrap tightly and reheat before glazing.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cranberry pistachio babka, holiday bread wreath, Christmas baking, sweet bread recipe