Irresistible High Altitude Stollen: A Festive Delight

The aroma of freshly baked High Altitude Stollen (German Christmas Bread) wafts through the air, filling your kitchen with warm, cozy memories. Picture yourself slicing into this dense, fruity delight, revealing a treasure trove of candied fruits and nuts nestled within its soft, buttery layers. cozy holiday starter delicious homemade bread

This delightful bread is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a celebration of holiday spirit! Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or sharing it with friends at a festive party, each bite is an invitation to rejoice in the season’s magic. perfect side for holiday meals.

I still remember the first time I attempted to bake High Altitude Stollen; my kitchen turned into a floury wonderland, and my family’s delighted reactions were priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Opt for high-quality flour for better structure; measure carefully to avoid too dense bread.
• Active Dry Yeast: Use fresh yeast for best results; ensure it’s within its expiration date for reliable rising.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over salt levels; allows the sweet toppings to shine. sweet treats for the holidays.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness; consider using brown sugar for added depth.
• Milk: Warm milk activates yeast; aim for about 110°F (43°C) to encourage fermentation without killing it.
• Candied Fruits: A mix of candied lemon peel and orange peel adds zesty brightness; choose colorful pieces for visual appeal. For more inspiration, check out this orange custard squares recipe recipe.
• Nuts (Almonds or Hazelnuts): Toasted nuts bring crunch; chop them coarsely to mix evenly throughout the dough.
• Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): Freshly grated spices elevate flavors; don’t skip this step if you want that holiday warmth. For more inspiration, check out this cinnamon sugar donut bread recipe.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top after baking, creating that snowy finish typical of a stollen loaf.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Activate the Yeast: Start by warming your milk until it’s slightly hot but not boiling. Stir in sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk gently to blend everything well before adding wet ingredients.

Create the Dough: Pour in melted butter and activated yeast mixture into dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in candied fruits and chopped nuts using your hands. Ensure even distribution by mixing thoroughly without overworking the dough.

First Rise Time!: Place your dough in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap. Set it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, roughly 1-2 hours depending on temperature.

Bake Your Stollen: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the risen dough into an oval loaf and place it on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

After letting your High Altitude Stollen cool slightly, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy this festive treat with your loved ones!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar separately. Incorporate eggs gradually while folding in the flour mixture to maintain a fluffy texture. Let the dough rise in a warm place for optimal flavor development.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional nuts for your favorites or add candied citrus peel for extra zing. A splash of rum or brandy can enhance the flavor complexity, making your High Altitude Stollen uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Wrap your Stollen tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dark place for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply slice and serve at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven.

My grandmother used to make Stollen every Christmas, filling our home with nostalgia and delicious scents that lingered long after we feasted on her creations.

FAQ

What is High Altitude Stollen?

High Altitude Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread adapted for higher elevations.

How do I adjust baking time for high altitudes?

Increase baking time slightly as lower air pressure affects cooking duration.

Can I use different fruits in my Stollen?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dried fruits based on your preference.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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High Altitude Stollen (German Christmas Bread)

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x

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Description

High Altitude Stollen is a festive German Christmas bread that brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. This rich, buttery loaf is packed with candied fruits and nuts, creating a delightful blend of flavors. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this stollen will impress your guests and fill your home with the cozy aroma of spices. With its stunning appearance and irresistible taste, it’s a must-have centerpiece for any festive celebration.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1 cup mixed candied fruits (lemon & orange peel)
• ½ cup chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. 1. Activate Yeast: Warm milk to about 110°F, stir in sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit until frothy (5-10 minutes).
2. 2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. 3. Create Dough: Add melted butter and yeast mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until shaggy dough forms; knead on a floured surface until smooth.
4. 4. Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in candied fruits and nuts evenly.
5. 5. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap in a warm spot. Let rise until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
6. 6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into an oval loaf on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
7. 7. Cool & Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg