Raspberry Butter Braids

Total Time

Prep: 1 hour + rising Bake: 20 min.

Makes

2 loaves (15 slices each)

Updated: Feb. 02, 2023
Looking for an eye-catching sweet bread to give as a gift? With tender, raspberry-filled layers, this lovely, two-loaf recipe is sure to impress.—Robin Stout, Amherstview, Ontario
Raspberry Butter Braids Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
  • EGG WASH:
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • GLAZE:
  • 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons water

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, butter, sugar, egg, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half. On greased baking sheets, roll each portion into a 14x12-in. rectangle. Cut each rectangle into three 14x4-in. strips. Spoon 2 tablespoons jam down the center of each strip. Bring long edges together over filling; pinch to seal. Braid three strips together; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with the remaining strips. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat egg and water; brush over loaves. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to wire racks.
  5. For glaze, combine confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Brush over warm loaves.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 163 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.