Sugarplum Bread

4.3
(3)

What a lovely bread to serve at Christmas time--visions of sugar plums. I make a lot of sweet breads at the holidays and my family enjoys them. Baking is one of my hobbies which I cherish dearly. Slivered almonds can be substituted for pine nuts.

2
Servings:
20
Yield:
2 round loaves
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 20 servings

  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

  • 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

  • 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

  • ½ cup white sugar

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour

  • 4 eggs

  • ½ cup candied mixed fruit

  • 1 cup raisins

  • ¾ cup pine nuts

  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar

  • 1 ½ tablespoons water

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (Optional)

  • 1 cup cherries

Directions

  1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 cup warm water in large mixer bowl. Sprinkle in yeast. Let stand 10 minutes, then stir well.

  2. Add 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter or margarine, salt, lemon rind, and 2 cups flour. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed with electric mixer. Add 2 cups more flour and eggs; beat 3 minutes. Stir in almost all remaining flour, using enough flour to make a soft dough.

  3. Knead dough on floured board until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in lightly greased bowl. Cover with greased waxed paper and a tea towel. Let rise in warm place 75 - 85 degrees F (25 - 30 degrees C)until doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

  4. Punch down dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured board, and knead in raisins, candied fruit, and nuts. Shape into two round loaves. Place each in a well greased, 9 inch, round cake pan. Cover with tea towel. Let rise in warm place until doubled, 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

  5. Bake at 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C) for 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from pans immediately. Cool on wire racks.

  6. Mix together confectioners sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons water, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Spoon onto loaves. Decorate with cherries or almonds. Alternatively, dust loaves with confectioners sugar.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

307 Calories
9g Fat
52g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 20
Calories 307
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 282mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 17g
Protein 7g 14%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 19mg 1%
Iron 3mg 15%
Potassium 171mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.