Save A festive and dazzling sweet bread shaped like a crown, adorned with colorful candied fruits and sugar pearls—a showstopping centerpiece perfect for celebrations.
This recipe has been a highlight at family celebrations, bringing joy and a touch of French tradition to the table.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g all-purpose flour, 80 g granulated sugar, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 200 ml warm milk, 2 large eggs, 100 g unsalted butter softened, 1 tsp salt, zest of 1 orange, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Decoration: 100 g assorted candied fruits (cherries, orange peel, citron), 2 tbsp pearl sugar, 1 egg yolk for egg wash, 1 tbsp milk for egg wash, 1 tbsp apricot jam for glazing
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, vanilla, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a large ring (crown) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 40 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 8:
- Whisk the egg yolk with milk and brush over the risen dough.
- Step 9:
- Decorate the crown with candied fruits and pearl sugar pressing them gently into the dough.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 11:
- While still warm brush the crown with warmed apricot jam for shine. Let cool before serving.
Save This sweet bread has been a family favorite during holidays, bringing everyone together over delicious tradition.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Stand mixer (optional), Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and dairy (butter, milk). Candied fruits may contain traces of nuts or sulfites check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories 340, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 7 g (per serving)
Save Enjoy this beautiful crown bread fresh or the next day slightly toasted for extra flavor.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What makes the dough soft and elastic?
The dough’s softness comes from the combination of warm milk, eggs, and softened butter, along with adequate kneading and rising time.
- → How long should the dough rise?
First rise lasts about 1 hour until doubled in size, followed by a second 30-40 minute rise after shaping.
- → What fruits are used for decoration?
Assorted candied fruits such as cherries, orange peel, and citron add color and sweetness on top.
- → How is the glossy finish achieved?
Brushing the warm baked bread with apricot jam gives it a shiny and appetizing glaze.
- → Can I add nuts for extra texture?
Yes, slivered almonds can be added for crunch, complementing the candied fruits nicely.