Authentic German Stollen Recipe
Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that’s rich and flavorful. It’s filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, making it delightful for the holiday season. While this recipe may seem indulgent, we will also highlight how you can enjoy this festive treat in a healthier way. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a sweet slice, our Authentic German Stollen Recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and wholesome treat.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Authentic German Stollen recipe is perfect for the holiday season but also offers a healthier version that’s suitable for meal prep. With whole ingredients and thoughtful substitutions, you can enjoy this classic while staying on track with your health goals. It’s great for those looking to have a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s an excellent addition to your meal prep, making it easy to grab a slice throughout the week.
HOW TO MAKE Authentic German Stollen
Making Authentic German Stollen is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer or dough whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Brush for butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup currants
- 1/4 cup candied orange peel
- 1/4 cup candied lemon peel
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground mace
- 4 oz marzipan (optional)
- Additional butter and powdered sugar for topping
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
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In a small bowl, combine the raisins, currants, and candied peel. Pour the dark rum over the mixture, stir, and soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This step intensifies the flavors and moisture level of the fruits.
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Warm the milk and dissolve a pinch of sugar in it. Add the active dry yeast and allow it to activate. It will become foamy, indicating that the yeast is alive.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, softened butter, eggs, and spices. Knead the mixture until it’s smooth and elastic.
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Add the soaked fruits and chopped almonds to the dough, mixing gently until they are well-distributed. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
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Once the dough has risen, flatten it on a lightly floured surface. If you are using marzipan, place it in the center of the flattened dough. Fold the dough over the marzipan, shaping it into a loaf.
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Allow the shaped dough to rise again for 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stollen for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar as soon as it comes out of the oven.
HOW TO SERVE Authentic German Stollen
Serve your Authentic German Stollen warm or at room temperature. Slice it into thick pieces for enjoyment. For a healthy serving idea, consider pairing it with a spread of almond butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon. This adds flavor without excess calories and enhances the protein content. Portion control is crucial; enjoy a slice or two, as stollen is rich with flavors.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Authentic German Stollen
You can store your stollen wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well. Wrap it securely and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw at room temperature overnight.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For a balanced meal, consider serving your stollen with a side of Greek yogurt. This addition provides a protein boost, making it a great option for breakfast or a snack. You can also pair it with fresh fruit to add natural sweetness and fiber to your meal.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier Version: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content. You can also reduce the sugar to create a lighter option.
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High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: Consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a low-carb approach. This version will be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb diet.
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Air Fryer Version: If you prefer cooking in an air fryer, shape your stollen into smaller individual portions. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F and cook for about 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness along the way.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Make sure the yeast is also gluten-free.
2. How can I store leftover Stollen?
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
3. Is there a way to make stollen lower in sugar?
Yes! Reducing the amount of granulated sugar or replacing it with a sugar substitute can help minimize the sugar content while still keeping the flavor.
4. What is the best way to serve stollen for a balanced meal?
Pair slices of stollen with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a nutritious breakfast or snack. This adds protein and fiber to your meal.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Authentic German Stollen
Stollen is a great recipe for meal prep! You can soak the fruits and prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply let the dough rise, shape it, and store it in the fridge overnight before baking it the next day. Alternatively, you can bake stollen in advance and freeze it. It will stay fresh and flavorful, providing you with a perfect treat whenever you need it. Having stollen ready to go means you’ve accomplished your meal prep while adding a festive flair to your snack options!
Enjoy your baking and the delightful flavors of this homemade Authentic German Stollen! With lighter options and healthy substitutes, you’ll love this festive treat any time of the year.
Authentic German Stollen
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the raisins, currants, and candied peel. Pour the dark rum over the mixture, stir, and soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
- Warm the milk and dissolve a pinch of sugar in it. Add the active dry yeast and allow it to activate until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, softened butter, eggs, and spices. Knead the mixture until smooth and elastic.
- Add the soaked fruits and chopped almonds to the dough, mixing gently until well-distributed. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Once the dough has risen, flatten it on a lightly floured surface. If using marzipan, place it in the center of the dough and fold it over, shaping into a loaf.
- Allow the shaped dough to rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stollen for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and dust with powdered sugar as soon as it comes out of the oven.