Swiss Holiday Bread Züpfe

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

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

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk reduces calories and is lactose-free.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture.

eggs

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: egg replacer

Flaxseed meal offers a vegan alternative.

Melt butter over heat, ideally browning it for a nutty flavor.

Add whole milk to the melted butter and mix in sugar until dissolved.

Pour the milk mixture over a combination of salt and flour.

Add preferment and yeast to the mixture and cut together until evenly distributed.

Knead the dough until all dry ingredients are incorporated and a uniform dough forms.

Place the dough on a floured surface, cover with a damp rag, and let it rise until doubled in size.

Divide the dough into quarters, then cut those halves in half for braiding.

Roll each piece into a tapered tube, thicker in the center, approximately 36 inches long.

Braid the pieces following a left-over-right pattern and pinch the ends together.

Place the braided loaf on a parchment-papered baking sheet.

Mix egg yolk and milk for the egg wash and coat the top of the braid evenly without puddling.

Bake in a 400°F oven until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens