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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
That's it! Super simple right? Here are step by step images for braiding the Viennese Christmas Bread recipe --
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.
📖 Recipe
Viennese Christmas Bread Recipe
Print Save Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- 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, ,
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.
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
Denise Powell says
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!
Judy L. says
Will this be good made a couple weeks ahead and wrapped in rum-soaked cheesecloth?
Marye says
No. This is a yeast bread with a light crumb. You'd need to freeze it.
M says
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?
Marye says
I'm sure it would be fine made into an oval or round - or even rolls!
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
What a pretty bread Marye! I love Vienna and all its beautiful and delicious pastries and breads. I'm excited to try this out!
Marye Audet says
Thank you!!
Kirsten says
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!
Marye Audet says
LOL! Ive been doing it for years... lots of practice! Thanks
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
What a special loaf! I love that you'd subbed in whole wheat flour for this too. Looks good!
Marye Audet says
Thanks Sarah!
Taylor Kiser says
This would make wonderful food gifts for friends and family! Looks delicious!
Marye Audet says
Thanks Taylor! It is definitely a welcome gift!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What a beautiful cake full of my favorite flavors! How pretty this will be served at the holidays!
Marye Audet says
Thank you! It is so pretty at Christmas Brunch!
Linda Martin-Peoples says
Looks AWESOME!! Is it ok to use just white or bread flour??
Marye Audet says
Yes, you can use white flour or bread flour! Thank you, Linda!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
You're always making such delicious-looking breads! This is a perfect bread for the holiday!
Kim Beaulieu says
This is utterly amazing, nothing beats a braided bread when it comes to presentation. This is beautiful!
Nutmeg Nanny says
This bread is gorgeous and I love BRM products!
Jennifer A Stewart says
I have never heard of Viennese Christmas bread but it looks festive and fun to make. I am really digging the rum soaked cherries!
Marye Audet says
Thanks Jennifer. It's just so good!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
This bread sounds so perfect for the holidays. Love the rum, cranberries and orange in it!
Ali @ Home & Plate says
This loaf reminds my of growing up and visiting Grandma's house where she would always have a Christmas loaf every year. I think her recipe came from her German parents. Brings back memories. Looks delicious!
Marye Audet says
What wonderful memories! Thanks!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Magnificent Christmas Loaf, Marye. I love the braid work. I have only ever braided a loaf for Hawaiian sweet bread. Would love a slice of this at Christmas morning brunch!
Marye Audet says
Absolutely! It's wonderful for Brunch.
Christie says
I love special bread recipes like this for Christmas. Your loaf is gorgeous.
Marye Audet says
A tripe decker braid is a little tricky but always looks spectacular!
Catherine says
Dear Marye, What a beautiful recipe. Your bread looks beautiful and delicious. What a wonderful holiday recipe..even perfect to make as a gift! xo, Catherine
Marye Audet says
Thank you Catherine!