Description
A cherished Southern Christmas Bread recipe that brings warmth and joy to family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the dried fruit and nuts.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover again and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
This bread tastes even better the next day. It can be enjoyed toasted for breakfast or transformed into luxurious bread pudding.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg