Save A festive and dazzling sweet bread shaped like a crown, adorned with colorful candied fruits and sugar pearls—a showstopping centerpiece perfect for celebrations.
I first baked this crowning jewel for the holidays and it instantly became the centerpiece everyone admired and loved.
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 This recipe always brings back warm family moments of celebration and joy every time we enjoy the crowning bread together.
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
Save This crowning jewel is a festive treat that dazzles visually and delights the palate.