How To Make Vanochka | Deliciously Sweet and Soft Czech Christmas Bread Recipe

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with a similar texture.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Dried cranberries add a tart flavor while sultanas are often less expensive.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk lowers calories, while water is a budget-friendly option.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers a natural sweetness, while brown sugar is often cheaper.

Prepare a tray with nonstick paper.

In a mixing bowl, add cold milk, then sprinkle yeast on top.

Add salt and sugar, then the egg yolk and lemon zest; mix well.

Add strong white bread flour and mix until a cohesive dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 2 minutes until slightly developed.

Add soft butter to the dough and knead for another 3 minutes until smooth.

Incorporate raisins into the dough and knead for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl for fermentation at 25-26°C for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Perform a fold on the dough after the first proof, then place it back in the bowl for the second proof for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Divide the dough into six pieces for braiding.

Pre-shape the dough pieces and let them rest for 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough pieces and braid them into two three-strand braids.

Brush the bottom braid with beaten egg to adhere the top braid.

Place the braided dough on the prepared tray for final fermentation for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Preheat the oven to 160°C with fan.

Brush the dough with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds before baking.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens