Vanocka Vnoka Czech Christmas Bread

Celebrate the holiday season with Vanocka Vnoka, a traditional Czech Christmas bread that combines rich flavors and stunning craftsmanship. This festive treat features a soft, buttery dough infused with sweet raisins, crunchy slivered almonds, aromatic vanilla, and a bright citrus note from fresh lemon zest. A layered braid design not only makes this bread a show-stopping centerpiece but also symbolizes the intricate traditions of Czech baking. Skillfully kneaded and baked to golden perfection, Vanocka is finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of snowy magic. Whether served for breakfast, alongside coffee, or as part of your holiday dessert spread, this beautifully braided bread is a must-make for festive celebrations. Perfect your holiday table with the charm and flavor of authentic Czech cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:140 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:170 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 g All-purpose flour
• 100 g Granulated sugar
• 250 ml Whole milk
• 10 g Active dry yeast
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 100 g Unsalted butter, softened
• 2 Egg yolks
• 1 Zest of 1 lemon
• 100 g Raisins
• 50 g Slivered almonds
• 2 tbsp Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (about 37°C or 98°F). Stir in 1 teaspoon of the sugar and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 3

Add the softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and the frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form.

Step 4

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit of flour as needed.

Step 5

Gently knead the raisins and slivered almonds into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 4 pieces—2 larger pieces and 2 smaller pieces. Roll each piece into long ropes.

Step 8

Braid the 2 larger ropes together to form the base of the bread. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then braid the 2 smaller ropes together and place them on top of the larger braid, gently pressing them together.

Step 9

Cover the braided loaf with a clean towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the loaf with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Let the Vanocka cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1233.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3929.7

Total Fat 132.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 804.2mg	0%
Sodium 2600.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 605.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.7g	0%
Total Sugars 196.8g
Protein 89.9g	0%

Vitamin D 191.0IU	0%
Calcium 658.5mg	0%
Iron 29.2mg	0%
Potassium 2367.3mg	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: 30.0%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 61.0%