Save to Pinterest A festive and dazzling sweet bread shaped like a crown, adorned with colorful candied fruits and sugar pearls—a showstopping centerpiece perfect for celebrations.
This recipe has become a family favorite during holidays, always impressing guests with its festive look and delightful taste.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g all-purpose flour, 80 g granulated sugar, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 200 ml warm milk, 2 large eggs, 100 g unsalted butter softened, 1 tsp salt, zest of 1 orange, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Decoration: 100 g assorted candied fruits (cherries, orange peel, citron), 2 tbsp pearl sugar, 1 egg yolk (for egg wash), 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash), 1 tbsp apricot jam (for glazing)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, vanilla, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a large ring (crown) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 8:
- Whisk the egg yolk with milk and brush over the risen dough.
- Step 9:
- Decorate the crown with candied fruits and pearl sugar, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 11:
- While still warm, brush the crown with warmed apricot jam for shine. Let cool before serving.
Save to Pinterest Our family enjoys gathering around the table to share this beautiful bread, often hiding a small figurine inside for the children to find.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, stand mixer (optional), baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and dairy (butter, milk). Candied fruits may contain traces of nuts or sulfites check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 7 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This festive bread is perfect as a centerpiece and brings warmth and joy to any holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the bread its crown shape?
The dough is shaped into a large ring before the second rise, creating the signature crown form.
- → How do candied fruits enhance the bread?
Candied fruits add bursts of vibrant color and sweet, tangy flavors that complement the soft, fragrant dough.
- → What is the purpose of the apricot jam glaze?
The warm apricot jam brushed on the baked bread gives a glossy finish and a subtle additional sweetness.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary reasons?
While the classic version includes eggs and dairy, some ingredients may be adapted, but texture and flavor may vary.
- → How long should the dough rise in total?
The dough undergoes two rises: one hour initially and another 30–40 minutes after shaping, allowing for lightness and volume.
- → Are there any traditional details to include?
Hiding a small figurine (fève) inside the dough before baking is a festive custom associated with this bread.