Festive Almond Challah Bread
Enhance your holiday celebrations with this deliciously festive Almond Challah Bread. This rich and fluffy bread features a sweet, nutty almond filling that delivers warmth and joy in every bite. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this beautifully braided bread can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter for a delightful breakfast treat. Whether you shape it as a traditional braid or a lovely wreath, it’s ideal for any holiday table, making it not just a recipe, but a cherished tradition.
10
Servings
220
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
lukewarm water
1 cup (Make sure it is at 110°F)
granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (For activating yeast)
yeast
1 tablespoon (Active dry yeast)
all-purpose flour
4 cups (Measured and sifted)
granulated sugar
1/4 cup (For dough mixture)
salt
2 teaspoons (For dough mixture)
eggs
2 (Beaten)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (For dough)
egg yolk
1 (Beaten with water for glazing)
water
1 teaspoon (For egg wash)
blanched ground almonds
1 1/2 cups (For filling)
sugar
1/2 cup (For filling)
egg white
1 (Beaten, for filling)
milk
3-4 tablespoons (For filling, adjust for desired consistency)
almond extract
1 teaspoon (For filling)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by pouring the lukewarm water (110°F) into a small bowl. Add the teaspoon of sugar and stir until dissolved, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2
2. In a larger mixing bowl, measure out 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Using a fork, mix in the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the 2 teaspoons of salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
3
3. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and the activated yeast mixture into the flour well. Stir with a spoon until the ingredients are just combined.
4
4. Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead the dough with floured hands for about 10 minutes, adding more flour to the surface as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should bounce back when pressed.
5
5. Place the kneaded dough into a large, oiled bowl, rolling it around to coat in oil. Cover the bowl with oiled wax paper followed by a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm area, like on top of the refrigerator, until it has doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
6
6. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the ground almonds and 1/2 cup sugar. Stir in the beaten egg white, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract until well mixed. Set aside.
7
7. After the first rise, punch down the dough and cover it again. Let it rise for another 45 minutes until it has doubled in size.
8
8. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into long strands and flatten with a rolling pin. Spread the almond filling evenly over each strand, leaving a 1/4-inch margin around the edges. Roll each strand back into long ropes.
9
9. On a lightly greased baking sheet, lay the strands side by side and braid them loosely. Tuck in the ends and cover the bread with a damp cloth. Let the braided loaf rise for about 45 minutes until it has doubled in size again.
10
10. Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of water. Brush the mixture over the surface of the loaf.
11
11. Bake the bread in the center of the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown. If it browns too quickly, place a piece of foil over the top during baking.
12
12. For a festive touch, consider shaping your braid into a circular wreath and decorating it with an icing sugar frosting, sliced almonds, and cherries upon cooling.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
31
Carbs
5
Protein
1
Fiber
7
Sugar
100
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Almond Challah Bread?
It is a rich, fluffy, and beautifully braided bread filled with a sweet and nutty almond filling, making it perfect for holiday celebrations.
How many calories are in one serving of this bread?
Each serving of the Festive Almond Challah Bread contains approximately 220 calories.
What temperature should the water be for activating the yeast?
The water should be lukewarm, specifically around 110°F, to properly activate the yeast.
How long does the dough need to rise for the first time?
The dough should rise in a warm area for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
What are the ingredients for the almond filling?
The filling consists of 1 1/2 cups blanched ground almonds, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 beaten egg white, 3-4 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract.
What is the baking temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F for baking the challah bread.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
How do I make the egg wash for the bread?
Whisk together one egg yolk and one teaspoon of water in a small bowl to create the egg wash.
How long should I knead the dough?
You should knead the dough on a well-floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
What should I do if the bread browns too quickly in the oven?
If the bread is browning too fast, you can place a piece of foil over the top of the loaf while it finishes baking.
Can I shape this bread into something other than a straight braid?
Yes, for a more festive look, you can shape the braided dough into a circular wreath.
How much fat is in one serving of the challah?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of measured and sifted all-purpose flour.
How many times does the dough need to rise in total?
The dough rises three times: twice for 45 minutes each before braiding, and once more for 45 minutes after it has been braided.
What kind of yeast should be used?
Use 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the sodium content of this bread?
One serving contains 100 milligrams of sodium.
Is there any almond extract in the dough itself?
No, the almond extract is only used in the almond filling.
How much vegetable oil is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for the dough mixture.
How do I know when the yeast is ready?
The yeast mixture is ready when it has sat for about 10 minutes and become frothy on top.
What ingredients are used for the optional decorations?
You can decorate the cooled bread with an icing sugar frosting, sliced almonds, and cherries.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 7 grams of sugar per serving.
Can this bread be served for breakfast?
Yes, it is excellent for breakfast, especially when toasted with butter.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 31 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the preparation method for the eggs in the dough?
The 2 eggs used in the dough should be beaten before being added to the flour well.
How many cups of ground almonds are needed?
The filling requires 1 1/2 cups of blanched ground almonds.
Is there fiber in this challah bread?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt mixed into the flour.
How do I prepare the bowl for the dough to rise?
Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl and roll it around to ensure it is completely coated in oil.
How long do I bake the bread for?
Bake the bread for approximately 30 minutes or until it reaches a golden brown color.