This Christmas marzipan bread is an absolute must for the holidays, and a traditional dinner would not be complete without this kringle for dessert. It may seem complicated at first glance, but if you follow the recipe step by step, it is actually quite easy, and you will amaze your family with this beautiful dessert. This is an extremely rich and decadent treat, so guests only need a little. Often a coin is hidden in the kringle and it is thought that the finder will be guaranteed good luck for the upcoming year. As such, it is considered bad luck not to indulge at Christmas!
Ingredients
- warm milk: 0.5 cup
- white sugar: 1 Tbsp
- active dry yeast: 1 envelope (.25 ounce envelope)
- heavy cream: 1 cup
- ½ cups all-purpose flour: 3 piece
- white sugar: 0.25 cup
- salt: 1 tsp
- ground cardamom: 1 tsp
- butter: 0.5 cup (cut into small pieces)
- almond paste: 1 can (8 ounce can)
- sliced almonds: 0.5 cup (crushed)
- white sugar: 0.5 cup
- ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- almond extract: 1 tsp
- white sugar: 0.5 cup
- egg white: 1 piece (beaten)
- almonds: 0.5 cup (sliced)
Metric Conversion
Stages of cooking
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Make the bread: Stir milk and sugar together in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast over top and let stand for 10 minutes to dissolve. Stir in cream.
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Stir together flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom in a separate bowl. Cut in butter with 2 knives or a pastry blender until texture is coarse and mealy. Add yeast mixture and stir until well blended. Pat into a ball, flatten slightly, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
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When ready to bake, make the filling: Mix almond paste, almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and almond extract with an electric mixer in a large bowl until evenly blended. It may be crumbly.
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Roll chilled dough into a 2x24-inch rectangle. Spread filling over dough to within 2 inches of each side. Roll up into a tube. Cover the work surface with sugar and roll dough tube into sugar until thoroughly coated.
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Roll and stretch dough tube out into a 40-inch-long rope. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and form into a pretzel shape.
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Brush dough with egg white and sprinkle with almonds. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 45 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Bake kringle in the preheated oven until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Cut into slices to serve.
