Step into the realm of Russian cuisine with the delightful and heartwarming Russian Krendl Bread. A treasured recipe shared by a Russian immigrant family, this bread holds the power to create cherished memories and evoke hugs from delighted grandchildren. The process of crafting this bread is a labor of love, and the final product never fails to captivate the taste buds.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¾ cup warm half-and-half cream or milk (110° to 115°)
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 egg yolks
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2¾ to 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
FILLING
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
- ⅔ cup finely chopped dried apples
- ⅓ cup finely chopped dried apricots
- ⅓ cup chopped pitted dried plums
- 2 tablespoons plus ¼ cup butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons sugar, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Confectioners’sugar
PREPARATIONS
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm cream in a small bowl. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla, salt, yeast mixture, and 1½ cups flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft and slightly sticky dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic (about 6-8 minutes). Place it in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise until doubled (approximately 1 hour).
- In a large saucepan, combine the first five filling ingredients, adding 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes or until the mixture reaches a jam-like consistency, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cool completely.
- Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 32×10-in. rectangle. Melt the remaining butter and brush it over the dough. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread the fruit mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
- Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch the seam and ends to seal. Shape the dough into a pretzel shape and place it on a greased baking sheet, seam side down. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until almost doubled (about 30 minutes).
COOKING TIME
- Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS
- For a stunning presentation, shape the rolled dough into a pretzel, adding an elegant touch to your bread.
- Allow the bread to cool before sprinkling with confectioners’ sugar just before serving, adding a sweet finishing touch to this Russian delight.
YIELD
- Makes 24 Servings
Congratulations on successfully creating the Russian Krendl Bread, a true testament to the beauty of cross-cultural culinary experiences. This recipe holds not only the essence of Russian heritage but also the heartwarming memories shared with a loving family. With the delightful combination of apple juice, chopped dried apples, apricots, and plums, the filling provides a burst of fruity flavors that complement the soft and slightly sticky dough.
As the Krendl Bread bakes to a golden brown hue, the kitchen fills with a comforting aroma, inviting loved ones to gather eagerly around. The pretzel-shaped bread stands as a centerpiece of warmth and tradition, embodying the essence of a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
Once cooled, the finishing touch of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of sweetness, inviting guests to savor each bite of this heartwarming delight. This bread holds more than just culinary significance—it fosters connections, creates lasting memories, and bridges cultures through the simple act of breaking bread together.
As you enjoy each slice of this Russian Krendl Bread, take a moment to appreciate the power of food in bringing people together. May this recipe find its place in your collection, ready to be passed down and shared, as you continue to craft heartwarming memories with loved ones over this delightful bread.
Remember, it’s not just a bread; it’s a symbol of love, joy, and the richness of shared experiences. Happy baking!
