Striezel (Braided Sweet Bread)
A traditional Austrian braided sweet bread, often made for holidays like Easter and All Saints' Day. It's a rich, slightly sweet yeast bread, perfect for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 ml Lukewarm milk
- 20 g Fresh yeast(or 1 packet dry yeast)
- 50 g Granulated sugar(plus a pinch for yeast)
- 500 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 75 g Butter(softened)
- 2 large Eggs(room temperature)
- 1 large Egg yolk(for egg wash)
- 75 g Raisins(optional)
- 2 tbsp Rum(optional, for soaking raisins)
- for sprinkling Coarse sugar or sliced almonds
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast with a pinch of sugar in the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
💡 Tip: If using dry yeast, follow package instructions. Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot. - 2
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, and 2 large eggs. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
💡 Tip: If using raisins, soak them in rum for at least 15 minutes, then drain. - 3
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using raisins, knead them in during the last few minutes.
💡 Tip: The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. Add a little more flour if necessary. - 4
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Punch down the dough, divide it into three equal portions, and roll each portion into a long strand (about 16-17 inches). Braid the strands together to form a loaf.
💡 Tip: Ensure the strands are of equal length for an even braid. - 6
Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
- 7
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk or water for the egg wash. Brush the top of the braided bread with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar or sliced almonds.
💡 Tip: Apply the egg wash evenly for a golden-brown crust. - 8
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
💡 Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using room temperature ingredients helps the yeast activate better.
- ✓Ensure the dough rises sufficiently in a warm, draft-free place.
- ✓Striezel is best enjoyed fresh, within a day or two of baking.
🔄 Variations
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a subtle citrus note.
- Incorporate other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
- For a richer dough, increase the butter slightly.