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Home » Recipes » Yeast Bread Recipes

Viennese Christmas Bread Recipe

Published: Nov 29, 2015 Last Updated: Oct 11, 2022 by Marye 1573 words. | About 8 minutes to read this article.

A whole wheat sweet bread with orange and vanilla flavors studded with candied cherries and dried cranberries is a welcome gift during the holidays. It makes the most amazing French toast ever.
Total time 4 hours 40 minutes
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This Viennese Christmas Bread Recipe, also called Viennese Striezel, is an impressive three layer sweet bread studded with candied cherries and dried cranberries. Flavored with Cardamom and orange, I've used whole wheat flour rather than the traditional white flour to give it a nutty, country flavor.

Viennese Christmas Bread recipe makes a beautiful, fruit filled sweet yeast bread with a vanilla orange flavor. From Restless Chipotle.com

I have always loved working with whole wheat flours and I often take traditional white flour recipes and convert them.

Whole wheat flour not only adds that chewy texture and nutty flavor but it adds fiber, protein, and vitamins too. Most people run into the problem of heavy texture which usually means the flour hasn't been kneaded enough.

If you are kneading by machine it is going to take a good ten minutes and if you are kneading by hand it's going to be more like 20 minutes of kneading. I'd also suggest that you use a little gluten flour along with the whole wheat flour -- it will help the bread rise high and light and make the kneading process easier.

Viennese Christmas bread recipe makes amazing French toast. From RestlessChipotle.com
Ingredients for the bread -- I forgot the egg and the rum in the picture.

Many of my memories of Christmas as a kid have to do with smells as much, or even  maybe more, than sights or sounds. I can remember walking into our house after school in the dim winter light, my legs bright red from the cold (you wore dresses or skirts to school bach then no matter what) and feeling the blast of warm air scented with fruitcake or Christmas cookies.

It was the only time of the year my mom baked and she usually baked fruitcakes for all of her siblings, our neighbors, the milkman, the postman, and people I can't even think of right now. It was a generous time back then -- something I think we've lost for the most part. Maybe it's time to get it back?

When I bake during the Holiday season I feel connected with all of those memories. It makes my house smell wonderful so when MY kids come in from school I know that they are making Christmas memories similar to mine so long ago, and it's likely that they'll make these same memories for their kids. It's how the generations connect -- memories and recipes.

Viennese Christmas Bread recipe takes time but it is so worth it! This whole wheat dough is light and airy. From RestlessChipotle.com

So, this Viennese Christmas bread recipe --- perfect for giving! Perfect for making memories!

European countries are known for their yeast breads and the sweet yeast breads that they create during the holidays are gorgeous.

At least I think they are from the recipes I've tried and the images I have seen -- I haven't traveled to Europe yet, although it's on my bucket list. Anyway, I think Austria has more of the Christmas bread recipes than some of the other countries -- at least I've seen more.

Viennese Christmas bread recipe is made with whole wheat flour and candied cherries. From RestlessChipotle.com

This Viennese Striezel is a braided Christmas loaf that really isn't difficult to make. The dough is flavored with cardamom, orange, and just a hint of vanilla to give it a little extra sweetness.

As I said, I've replaced the traditional white flour with whole wheat flour. I also used dried cranberries soaked in rum in place of the raisins in the original recipe which is in one of my go to vintage cookbooks, Farm Journal's Homemade Bread, circa 1969.

Believe it or not, I bought it at a used book store in 1975! It's falling apart, stained, and has half the cover gone but I still use it at least a couple of times a month.

You'll want to do this Christmas bread recipe on a day when you are going to be home all day because of the rising time (4 hours). Letting it rise overnight in the refrigerator is also an option.

Viennese Christmas bread recipe makes one loaf of sweet yeast bread filled with candied cherries. From RestlessChipotle.com

How to Make a Braided Loaf

Braiding the bread makes for a pretty loaf and it's easy to do. You'll just need to divide the dough into nine pieces after the rising.

  1. Roll each into a strand about 15-inches long. Start with four strands and braid them loosely -- it's easiest if you start at the center and braid to each end.
  2. With the side of your hand make a dent down the middle of the braid. This helps the next braid to stay put.
  3. Take the next three strands and braid them loosely, starting at the middle and braiding to the ends.
  4. Carefully place it on top of the first braid and press gently. Now, make another dent down the middle of the second braid.
  5. Take the remaining two strands of dough and twist them loosely around each other.
  6. Place on top of the second braid and press gently.
  7. Bring the ends of the last twist down over the ends of the loaf and tuck underneath.

That's it! Super simple right? Here are step by step images for braiding the Viennese Christmas Bread recipe --

Viennese Christmas Bread recipe is made of three braided loaves stacked on top of each other - from RestlessChipotle.com
Using a scale is the easiest way to divide up the dough evenly. Roll each ball of dough into a rope.
The first braid of the Viennese Christmas bread recipe is made of 4 ropes. From restlesschipotle.com
Begin braiding 4 strands from the middle to each end. Then create a dent down the middle with your hand.
Viennese Christmas bread recipe is easier than you might think and makes a great holiday gift. From restlesschipotle.com
The second braid  of the Christmas bread recipe is made of three ropes. Again, braid from the center to each end then lay it on top of the first braid, right in the dent. Press gently and then dent the top.
The Viennese Christmas bread recipe is a sweet yeast dough filled with candied cherries and cranberries. From RestlessChipotle.com
The top braid is actually just two ropes twisted loosely together. Lay them in the dent of the second braid. Don't dent the top. Now it's ready for the second rise.

You are seriously going to love this Christmas bread recipe. It is a great gift, it freezes well, and it makes amazing French toast if you get tired of eating it with just butter. I like to give this in a basket along with a jar of orange marmalade and a tin of Vanilla Earl Grey tea.

Mexican Day of the Dead Bread is another wonderful loaf with orange and anise flavors. I love it for French toast.

This Viennese Christmas bread recipe is full of flavor -- a unique yeast bread and a fabulous gift for the holidays. From Restlesschipotle.com
sliced viennese christmas bread
5 from 2 votes

Viennese Christmas Bread Recipe

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A whole wheat sweet bread with orange and vanilla flavors studded with candied cherries and dried cranberries is a welcome gift during the holidays. It makes the most amazing French toast ever.
Course Yeast Bread
Cuisine Holiday
Prep Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings:1
Calories:
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup rum
  • ¼ cup warm water, (110F)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • Pinch of ginger
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • ¼ cup warm whole milk, (110F)
  • ¼ cup warm orange juice, (110F)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste, (or vanilla)
  • 1 room temperature egg, , beaten
  • ¼ cup chopped red and green candied cherries
  • 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat flour
  • 3 tablespoons vital wheat gluten
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspooon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom
  • ¼ cup melted unsalted butter cooled to 110F.

Glaze

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of water

Frosting

  • ½ cup Confectioner's sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons of cream

Topping

  • ¼ cup chopped pecans, ,

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Add the rum to the dried cranberries.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and heat in the microwave for about 40 seconds.
  • Set aside.
  • Add the water, ginger, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the yeast.
  • Set aside for 5 minutes.
  • Add the milk, orange juice, sugar, vanilla paste, and egg to the yeast.
  • Blend well.
  • Add the candied cherries and cranberries.
  • Mix 1 cup of the flour with the vital wheat gluten, salt, nutmeg, and cardamom.
  • Beat into the yeast mixture.
  • Add in the melted butter.
  • With mixer running, add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough that is easy to handle. It will feel tacky but not stick to your fingers.
  • Knead according to manufacturer's instructions for about 10 minutes or about 20 minutes by hand.
  • Give it a final kneading by hand on a lightly floured surface -- just a minute or two to make sure it's been kneaded thoroughly.
  • Dough should be elastic but will still be slightly tacky to the touch.
  • Place in a greased bowl, turn to grease the top of the dough, and cover with a clean tea towel.
  • Put in a warm place to rise for about 2 ¼ hours -- or until double.
  • Punch down.
  • Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Shape into loaf or braid.

To Braid the Loaf

  • Divide dough into 9 equal strands.
  • Roll each into a strand about 15-inches long.
  • Start with four strands and braid them loosely -- it's easiest if you start at the center and braid to each end.
  • Place on a greased baking sheet.
  • With the side of your hand make a dent down the middle of the braid. This helps the next braid to stay put.
  • Take the next three strands and braid them loosely, starting at the middle and braiding to the ends.
  • Carefully place it on top of the first braid and press gently. Now, make another dent down the middle of the second braid.
  • Take the remaining two strands of dough and twist them loosely around each other.
  • Place on top of the second braid and press gently.
  • Bring the ends of the last twist down over the ends of the loaf and tuck underneath.

Second Rise

  • Cover with a clean tea towel.
  • Let rise in a warm place 1 ½ hours.

Bake the Viennese Christmas Bread

  • Preheat the oven to 350F.
  • While the oven is preheating brush the loaf with the egg glaze.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Remove to a rack to cool.
  • Cover with a towel while cooling if you'd like a soft crust.

Frosting

  • Mix the Confectioner's sugar and cream together to make a smooth, runny frosting.
  • Spread on the top of the bread while it is still warm.
  • Sprinkle with the chopped nuts.

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    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Denise Powell

      October 23, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      I’m all in on you updating the recipe to use either bread flour or APF with some wheat gluten added. I think you may have to rework some of the liquids because it’s lighter. What about orange zest and rum flavoring? You’re the expert. You know best. I love your bread recipes and crockpot recipes. I steer everyone to your website!

      Reply
    2. Judy L.

      December 06, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      Will this be good made a couple weeks ahead and wrapped in rum-soaked cheesecloth?

      Reply
      • Marye

        December 06, 2020 at 4:48 pm

        No. This is a yeast bread with a light crumb. You'd need to freeze it.

    3. M

      March 02, 2020 at 4:46 am

      Your Viennese Christmas Bread Recipe looks fabulous, as are all your recipes that I've tried! I'd love to make this, but am not very talented with the braiding process. Do you have a suggestion to make in a different form?

      Reply
      • Marye

        March 02, 2020 at 5:38 am

        I'm sure it would be fine made into an oval or round - or even rolls!

    4. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats

      December 19, 2016 at 8:01 pm

      What a pretty bread Marye! I love Vienna and all its beautiful and delicious pastries and breads. I'm excited to try this out!

      Reply
      • Marye Audet

        December 19, 2016 at 9:21 pm

        Thank you!!

    5. Kirsten

      December 19, 2016 at 7:09 pm

      Marye,
      I bow to your advanced braiding skillz! I just made a batch of my Finnish Pulla (a cardamom-spiced braided sweet bread) and 3 strands is about all I can handle. I do fine on one side, but when I flip it around to start from the middle to the other end I . . . well it's like doing something with my non dominant hand. Not simple and flowing!

      The flavors and the whole wheatiness of this bread sure are appealing. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Marye Audet

        December 19, 2016 at 9:27 pm

        LOL! Ive been doing it for years... lots of practice! Thanks

    6. Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)

      November 13, 2016 at 8:20 am

      What a special loaf! I love that you'd subbed in whole wheat flour for this too. Looks good!

      Reply
      • Marye Audet

        November 14, 2016 at 5:16 pm

        Thanks Sarah!

    7. Taylor Kiser

      November 07, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      This would make wonderful food gifts for friends and family! Looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Marye Audet

        November 08, 2016 at 3:44 pm

        Thanks Taylor! It is definitely a welcome gift!

    8. Patricia @ Grab a Plate

      November 07, 2016 at 11:54 am

      What a beautiful cake full of my favorite flavors! How pretty this will be served at the holidays!

      Reply
      • Marye Audet

        November 08, 2016 at 3:43 pm

        Thank you! It is so pretty at Christmas Brunch!

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