A Slice of Holiday Bliss in Every Bite!
The word “fruitcake” can bring up mixed emotions, depending on your holiday memories. However, before dismissing all fruitcakes, let’s journey to Germany and discover Stollen, a colorful Christmas treat that might change your opinion!
Stollen is more than just a fruitcake; it’s a dense, delicious bread filled with candied fruits, nuts, and spices, dusted with powdered sugar, and often containing a marzipan center. It’s a centuries-old tradition in Germany, a highlight of Christmas festivities, and a burst of flavors waiting to be enjoyed.
STOLLEN (FRUIT CAKE)
Description
The word “fruitcake” can bring up mixed emotions, depending on your holiday memories. However, before dismissing all fruitcakes, let’s journey to Germany and discover Stollen, a colorful Christmas treat that might change your opinion!
Ingredients
4 cups (500g) All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) Dry yeast
1 cup (240ml) Warm Milk (around 110°F/43°C)
1/2 cup (115g) Unsalted Butter Melted and slightly cooled
2 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
Grated Lemon Zest from 1 lemon
1 cup (150g) Raisins
1 cup (150g) Candied Citrus Peel, finely chopped
1/2 cup (50g) Blanched Almonds, chopped
1/4 cup (60ml) Rum or Orange Juice
Powdered Sugar for dusting
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
– 7 ounces (200g) Marzipan, rolled into a log (for a marzipan-filled stollen)
– 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the raisins, currants, chopped candied citrus peel, chopped almonds, and rum. Stir well and let them soak for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) to absorb the flavors.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (but not hot).
Add the warm milk mixture, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface, adding the remaining flour as needed, until it is smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes).
Incorporate the Fruit:
Drain any excess rum from the soaked fruit mixture. Knead the fruit mixture into the dough until evenly distributed.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1-2 hours).
Shape the Stollen:
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
Roll the marzipan into a log about 10-12 inches long.
Flatten the dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
Place the marzipan log in the center of the dough.
Fold the dough over the marzipan, shaping it into a loaf. Pinch the edges to seal.
Second Rise:
Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover it with the kitchen towel and let it rise until puffy (about 45-60 minutes).
Bake the Stollen:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the stollen in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the loaf is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Finishing Touch:
Remove the stollen from the oven and immediately brush it with melted butter.
Generously sprinkle powdered sugar over the top while the stollen is still warm. Repeat the powdered sugar coating once the stollen has cooled.
Cool and Store:
Allow the stollen to cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and let it rest for at least one day to develop the flavors. It can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy your homemade stollen with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for sharing during the holiday season!
Nutrition
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Health benefits of stollen (fruit cake)
Stollen, a German Christmas fruitcake, offers health benefits:
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Dried fruits provide essential vitamins and minerals. Almonds add healthy fats and nutrients.
- Source of Energy: Carbohydrates and healthy fats in stollen provide quick and sustained energy.
- Antioxidants: Spices and citrus peel in stollen contain antioxidants.
- Digestive Health: Stollen provides fiber and potential probiotics.
- Mental Well-being: Enjoying stollen can evoke positive emotions and enhance social bonds.
- Moderation: Enjoying stollen in moderation as part of a balanced diet can fit into a healthy lifestyle.
Stollen is calorie-dense, providing a substantial energy boost. It contains a moderate amount of protein from flour, nuts, and eggs. This dessert is rich in fats, primarily from butter and almonds, with a significant portion being saturated fats. Stollen is also high in carbohydrates, with sugars contributing to its sweetness and fiber aiding digestion. Additionally, it offers small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, vitamin A, and iron. Enjoying this indulgent treat in moderation can be part of a balanced diet, allowing you to savor its rich flavors and traditional appeal while being mindful of its nutritional content.
Stollen is more than just a fruitcake; it’s a cherished symbol of German Christmas tradition that brings warmth and festive spirit to any holiday gathering. With its rich blend of fruits, nuts, and spices, this classic treat embodies the flavors of the season. Whether you’re making it from scratch or enjoying a store-bought version, stollen offers a delightful taste of Germany’s culinary heritage. So, this holiday season, treat yourself to a slice (or two) of stollen and savor the joy and tradition in every bite. Happy holidays and frohe Weihnachten!
