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Traditional Bremer Klaben - a delicious German Christmas fruit bread with dried fruits.

Bremer Klaben

Bremer Klaben is a traditional German Christmas fruit bread, rich in flavor and texture, perfect for festive occasions and gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Instant or active dry yeast
  • 1 cup Warm milk
  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
Fruit Ingredients
  • 2 cups Raisins and/or currants soaked in rum or orange juice
  • 1/2 cup Candied citrus peel (orange and lemon) preferred flavor
  • 1/2 cup Chopped almonds optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the raisins and candied peel in a splash of rum or orange juice for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
  2. In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar, then let it sit until foamy.
  3. Stir in flour, the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and butter. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky.
  4. Cover the bowl and let it rise until puffy, about 60 to 90 minutes.
  5. Drain the soaked fruit and knead or fold it into the dough evenly.
  6. Shape the dough into a long loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it rise again until noticeably bigger.
  7. Preheat the oven and bake the loaf until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped, approximately 45 minutes.
  8. Allow the loaf to cool completely before wrapping or slicing.

Notes

Bremer Klaben tastes best after it sits wrapped for a day. Consider baking two loaves—one to eat and one to gift.