Cranberry Raisin Almond Strietzel Bread

Celebrate the cozy flavors of the season with Cranberry Raisin Almond Strietzel Bread, a stunning braided loaf bursting with dried cranberries, sweet raisins, and crunchy sliced almonds. This enriched dough is lightly sweetened and infused with the warm essence of vanilla, creating a soft, tender bread with irresistible texture and flavor in every bite. The beautifully woven braid, golden egg wash glaze, and jewel-like fruit filling make it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Perfect for festive brunches, holiday gatherings, or a comforting treat with your favorite cup of tea, this bread delights with its homemade charm and subtle sophistication. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a spread of butter, this recipe is a must-try for bakers looking to impress with a touch of old-world, artisan flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.33 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter
• 2 pieces Large eggs
• 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup Raisins
• 0.33 cup Sliced almonds
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 piece Egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.

Step 2

In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches about 110°F. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, if necessary.

Step 3

Add the warm milk mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until a dough forms.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes on medium speed.

Step 5

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 6

Meanwhile, toss the dried cranberries, raisins, and sliced almonds together in a small bowl.

Step 7

After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 16 inches long.

Step 8

Flatten each rope slightly with a rolling pin and sprinkle the cranberry-raisin-almond mixture evenly over the ropes. Press the filling into the dough gently, then roll each rope back into a log to encase the filling.

Step 9

Place the three filled ropes side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the tops of the ropes together, then braid them, pinching the ends together to seal.

Step 10

Cover the braided dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 11

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 12

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash for a golden sheen.

Step 13

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 14

Remove the Strietzel from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1190.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3313.5

Total Fat 74.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 649.3mg	0%
Sodium 2714.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 575.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.5g	0%
Total Sugars 180.7g
Protein 90.7g	0%

Vitamin D 228.4IU	0%
Calcium 648.4mg	0%
Iron 28.8mg	0%
Potassium 2156.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.0%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 69.1%