Create a festive centerpiece for your holiday table with this stunning Christmas Wreath Dessert. Featuring a soft, spiced dough filled with a tangy raspberry and ginger jam, this dessert is a delicious and beautiful addition to your celebrations. The golden crust, jeweled with crystallized ginger and fresh raspberries, is sure to impress your guests.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 7g (2 1/4 tsp) dried yeast
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 1/4 cups plain flour, sifted
- 1/3 cup caster sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
- 125g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tbsp milk (for brushing)
- 30g crystallized ginger, finely chopped, plus extra for decoration
For the Raspberry Ginger Jam Filling:
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 250g raspberries (fresh or frozen), plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 40g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- Combine warmed milk, water, yeast, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and spices. Add the milk mixture and eggs. Knead on low speed to combine.
- Gradually add all but 1 tsp of melted butter. Knead for 10–15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Make the Jam:
- Combine jam ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Strain through a fine sieve and let cool.
- Assemble the Wreath:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 30cm x 60cm rectangle. Brush with the reserved melted butter and spread half the jam evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with crystallized ginger.
- Roll the dough tightly into a 60cm log and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Cut the log lengthwise in half using a sharp knife. Twist the two lengths together and shape into a wreath, tucking the ends underneath.
- Second Rise:
- Place the wreath on a lined baking tray, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Wreath:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Brush the wreath with milk and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 190°C (170°C fan-forced) and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden.
- Decorate:
- Combine 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp warm water. Brush over the hot wreath.
- Cool and decorate with gold ribbon, extra crystallized ginger, fresh raspberries, and remaining jam.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 5g
This eye-catching and flavorful dessert will make your Christmas celebrations even more special!
The Inspiration Behind the Christmas Wreath Dessert
Rooted in the tradition of holiday breads and sweet rolls, this dessert takes its inspiration from festive European baked goods. The wreath shape symbolizes unity and celebration, making it a fitting choice for the holiday season. By incorporating raspberry and ginger jam into the filling, this recipe offers a modern twist that balances sweetness with a tangy kick, elevating the flavors to create a dessert that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Why the Christmas Wreath Dessert is Special
This dessert is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a labor of love that reflects the spirit of the holidays. Here’s why it stands out:
- Visually Stunning: The wreath shape, golden crust, and vibrant garnishes make this dessert an eye-catching centerpiece for any table.
- Layered Flavors: The combination of spiced dough and raspberry ginger jam creates a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and warm spice notes.
- Textural Contrast: The soft, fluffy bread pairs beautifully with the sticky jam and crunchy crystallized ginger.
- Symbolic Meaning: Shaped like a wreath, it’s a nod to the festive season, symbolizing joy, unity, and celebration.
Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Wreath Dessert
While this dessert may seem complex, a few simple tips can ensure success:
- Perfect the Dough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which helps create a soft and airy bread texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh raspberries, high-quality butter, and aromatic spices elevate the overall flavor of the dessert.
- Control the Filling: Spread the jam evenly to prevent it from seeping out during baking, which could affect the wreath’s appearance.
- Refrigerate Before Shaping: Chilling the rolled dough before cutting and shaping makes it easier to handle and helps maintain the wreath’s structure.
- Bake with Care: Monitor the baking process to ensure the crust is golden brown without overbaking, which could dry out the bread.
Serving Suggestions for the Christmas Wreath Dessert
The Christmas Wreath Dessert is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Accompanying Beverages: Pair it with mulled wine, hot cocoa, or a spiced latte to complement the festive flavors.
- As a Brunch Centerpiece: Serve it as part of a holiday brunch spread, alongside other seasonal favorites like quiches and fruit salads.
- With Extra Jam: Offer a side of the leftover raspberry ginger jam for guests to drizzle over their slices.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Although this dessert is indulgent, some of its ingredients offer nutritional benefits:
- Raspberries: Packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C, raspberries add a nutritional boost while providing natural sweetness.
- Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger not only enhances the flavor but also supports digestion.
- Lemon Zest: Rich in Vitamin C, lemon zest adds a fresh, zesty flavor while contributing to the overall nutrient profile.
Decorating the Christmas Wreath Dessert
The decoration of this dessert is what transforms it into a true holiday centerpiece. Here’s how to achieve a professional finish:
- Honey Glaze: Brushing the wreath with a honey-water mixture while it’s still warm gives it a shiny, appetizing appearance.
- Garnishes: Scatter crystallized ginger and fresh raspberries on top for bursts of color and flavor.
- Festive Ribbon: Adding a decorative gold ribbon around the wreath elevates its presentation, making it perfect for a holiday display.
Why You Should Try the Christmas Wreath Dessert
This dessert is more than just a treat; it’s a celebration of the season. Its intricate design and rich flavors make it a rewarding recipe to prepare, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a unique addition to your holiday menu or a creative way to showcase your baking skills, the Christmas Wreath Dessert is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
The Christmas Wreath Dessert combines the art of baking with the joy of the holidays, resulting in a dish that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Its spiced dough, tangy raspberry ginger filling, and elegant decoration make it the perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings. By following the tips and techniques in this recipe, you can create a dessert that embodies the warmth, joy, and celebration of the season. Serve it at your next holiday event and watch as it becomes a cherished tradition for years to come!