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Traditional Bremer Klaben

A delicious German Christmas fruit bread rich with spices, fruits, and nuts, perfect for festive celebrations.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruits and Liquids
  • 2 cups raisins
  • ½ cup candied citrus peel
  • ¼ cup rum for soaking the fruits
  • ½ cup milk, lukewarm to activate yeast
Dry Ingredients
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast about 7g
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 2 large eggs
Nuts
  • ½ cup chopped almonds

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the raisins and candied citrus peel in rum for about 4 hours or preferably overnight.
  2. Warm the milk until lukewarm, mix in the active dry yeast and sugar, and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Knead into a smooth dough.
  4. Gently fold in the soaked fruit and chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
  5. Shape the dough into a rectangle and place it in a greased bread pan. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the Klaben for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  3. Brush with melted butter once out of the oven for additional flavor.

Notes

For a healthier version, reduce sugar or type alternatives. Storing: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.