Christmas Bread

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + rising Bake: 30 min. + cooling

Makes

1 loaf (20 pieces)

Updated: Oct. 13, 2023
Fruitcake is a traditional Christmas treat, but my family and friends prefer this slightly sweet bread. It's so pretty drizzled with vanilla icing and dotted with festive red and green candied fruit. I like to sprinkle extra fruit on top for added appeal. —Betty Jean McLaughlin, La Vista, Nebraska

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
  • Additional candied fruit, optional

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the evaporated milk, sugar, shortening, salt, eggs and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Stir in mixed candied fruit and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (do not knead).
  2. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
  3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 3-4 minutes. Pat evenly into a greased 10-in. tube pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes, tenting with foil if top becomes too dark. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack.
  5. Combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Garnish with additional candied fruit if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 214 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.