Kerstbrood: A Dutch Christmas Tradition

Add Dutch flare with Kerstbrood

Are you looking for a delightful way to add some European flair to your holiday celebrations? If so, look no further than kerstbrood, a traditional Dutch Christmas bread that is sure to impress your family and friends. Here at The Dutch Shop, we’re passionate about bringing authentic Dutch flavors to your home, and we’re excited to share this classic kerstbrood recipe with you. See more of our Dutch Recipes to make your tastebuds dance.

What is Kerstbrood?

Kerstbrood, literally translating to “Christmas bread,” is a rich, sweet bread filled with dried fruits and occasionally nuts. While it shares similarities with German stollen and Italian panettone, it boasts its own unique Dutch twist. At The Dutch Shop, we take pride in offering all the ingredients you need to create this festive treat right in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Kerstbrood

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
• 1/4 cup rum or orange juice (for soaking the fruits)

Rest assured, all these authentic Dutch ingredients are available at The Dutch Shop, ensuring you have everything you need for your homemade kerstbrood.

How to Make Kerstbrood

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Begin by combining the raisins, dried cranberries, and candied orange peel in a bowl. Pour the rum or orange juice over the fruit mixture and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This process will infuse the fruits with extra flavor and moisture, enhancing the overall taste of your kerstbrood.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Mix the flour, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Then, add the warm milk, softened butter, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Step 3: Add the Fruit and Shape the Bread

After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead in the soaked fruit mixture. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 minutes to attain that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the kerstbrood for about 45 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Allow it to cool before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

At The Dutch Shop, we recommend serving kerstbrood with a generous spread of butter alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. This delicious bread is perfect for Christmas morning breakfast or as a sweet treat during the holiday season.

Storing Your Kerstbrood

To maintain the freshness of your kerstbrood, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to a month—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making kerstbrood is an excellent way to bring a taste of Dutch tradition to your holiday celebrations. With high-quality ingredients from The Dutch Shop and this easy-to-follow recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious, festive bread that your loved ones will eagerly anticipate year after year. So, why not start a new holiday tradition this season? Happy baking and happy holidays!  Check out our famous Chocolate Christmas Letters to add a little sparkle to your holidays, alongside your fresh-baked Kerstbrood.