Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath

This Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath is a delightful treat that brings together flavors and textures in a way that’s simply magical. Imagine a ring of soft, pillowy bread filled with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, all drizzled with a luscious glaze. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a centerpiece that invites everyone to gather around the table. Perfect for the holiday season, this wreath is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

As we go through the steps of making this beautiful bread, you’ll find that it’s easier than it looks! You’ll enjoy the process of kneading dough, preparing the filling, and shaping the wreath. Every moment is filled with anticipation as you create something special for family and friends. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this joyful baking adventure!

Why This Recipe Works

This Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath is a showstopper because it expertly combines a variety of textures and flavors. The tartness of the cranberries interacts beautifully with the nutty sweetness of the pistachios. Plus, the dough carries a gentle citrus hint that elevates the whole experience. The honey glaze gives a glossy finish while balancing the tartness of the fruit, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the last.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath

Visually, this wreath is a stunner. It can effortlessly transform a simple gathering into something festive and memorable. Perfect for holiday festivities, it serves not just as a dish but as a conversation starter, inviting everyone to share stories while enjoying a delicious slice. Whether it’s served alongside morning coffee, as a sweet afternoon snack, or as a charming dessert, this Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath will impress.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath

• 3 cups bread flour (420g), plus more if needed
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons room temperature water
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ to 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• ½ teaspoon orange extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 9 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios (120 grams), or nut of choice
• 9 tablespoons granulated sugar (for paste)
• 3 tablespoons bread flour (for paste)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (for paste)
• 6 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter (for paste)
• 1 large egg (for paste)
• ¾ teaspoon clear vanilla extract (for paste)
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen preferred)
• 1 tablespoon bread flour (for cranberries)
• ¼ to ½ cup coarsely chopped unsalted shelled pistachios (optional)
• 1 large egg or egg white (for wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for wash)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for glaze)
• 3 tablespoons hot water (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon honey (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 1 cup quality white chocolate chips (e.g., Ghirardelli)
• 2 to 3 teaspoons coconut oil (for consistency)

Method for Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath

Making the Babka Dough

To start, grab a stand mixer and combine 3 cups of bread flour, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of water, instant yeast, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. If you love citrus, now’s the time to add optional orange zest and extract. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and add 3 large eggs. Mix everything on low speed for about 4 minutes. This helps the dough come together without flying all over your kitchen. Gradually introduce 9 tablespoons of cold butter and cinnamon during the mixing. Continue on low for another 10 minutes until it becomes smooth.

If the dough sticks to your hands, that’s where a bit more flour will help. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, then cover it. Now, let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it’s puffy and doubled in size.

Preparing the Pistachio Paste

While the dough rises, let’s prepare the pistachio filling. In a food processor, pulse 1 cup of pistachios until they are coarsely crumbled. Be careful not to go too grindy; you still want a bit of texture. In a bowl, mix your crushed pistachios with 9 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Next, add 6 tablespoons of very cold butter, 1 large egg, and ¾ teaspoon of vanilla. Use a fork to mash everything together until it combines nicely, but keep it a bit chunky. If you happen to make the paste in advance, chill it for later use.

Assembling the Wreath

Now, let’s bring it all together. First, coat 1 cup of cranberries in 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the dough later. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then prepare your egg wash by mixing 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of water.

Once your dough has risen, roll it out to a 9×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the pistachio paste evenly across the surface, but leave a little space around the edges. Sprinkle the floured cranberries and about ½ cup of chopped pistachios over the top. Now, it’s time to roll! From one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch to seal the edge.

Cut the log lengthwise so you can see the beautiful layers. Twist the two strands together and form them into a circle, pinching the edges to seal. Cover the wreath gently and let it rest for 1 hour to rise again.

Baking the Wreath

Once rested, it’s time to bake! Brush the wreath with the egg wash for that beautiful golden color. Bake for about 20 minutes and then carefully remove any supporting ramekin if you used one. Keep baking until the internal temperature hits 200°F. If your wreath is browning too quickly, just cover it with foil to slow down the process.

Glazing the Wreath

Mmm, what’s better than a glaze? Mix 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of hot water, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a simple but effective glaze. Brush this over the warm wreath right after it comes out of the oven. If you’d like, you can sprinkle some more chopped pistachios on top for extra flair. For a sweet touch, melt white chocolate with a bit of coconut oil and drizzle it over the bread. Want to get fancy? Tying a ribbon around your wreath gives it a lovely finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath is a fantastic addition to holiday tables. Pair it with spiced chai for that cozy feel or a cup of nutty coffee to enhance its flavors. You can also serve it as a stand-alone dessert. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side would work wonderfully!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter for the dough and paste is nice and cold to keep the texture perfect.
• Using frozen cranberries instead of fresh can help maintain their shape during baking.
• Keep a close watch on baking time since ovens can vary significantly in performance.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can swap cranberries for blueberries or cherries for a delightful twist. Different nuts, like almonds or walnuts, could add another dimension to the flavor. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for a cozy seasonal spice, too!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead. Just let it rise at room temperature when you’re ready to bake.

How should I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftover babka tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days and can also be frozen for a month.

Can I use other types of flour?
Bread flour is ideal for this recipe, but you can experiment with all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.

What if I can’t find pistachios?
No worries! Feel free to substitute them with your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans.

How long will it take to bake?
The total baking time is around 30-40 minutes. It’s best to keep an eye on it; ovens can behave differently.

This Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath will not just fulfill your appetite; it opens up an avenue for connections and joy. Enjoy the smell that fills your kitchen as you create this beauty, and let it sprinkle some cheer into your gatherings!

Print