Recipes

(Recipe) Dutch Christmas Bread

22
dec

As the snowflakes gently fall in some countries while the wind is going strong over here, the festive lights twinkle, we at Dutch Health Store are delighted to share with you a special treat that captures the essence of a Dutch Christmas. In this season of joy and giving, we extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. To add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations, we’re excited to present a unique, vegan twist on a beloved Dutch tradition – our Vegan Kerststol, a delightful Christmas bread filled with the richness of dried fruits, nuts, and a heart of almond goodness. Let’s bake together and spread the holiday cheer!

(Recipe) Vegan Kerststol: A Dutch Christmas Delight

Serves 1 kerststol

Ingredients

For the Bread:
- 300g Flour
- 100ml Soy Milk
- 100g Pumpkin Puree
- 75g Plant-based Butter (softened)
- 40g Caster Sugar
- 7g Active Dry Yeast
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 6g Salt (1 tsp)
- Zests of 1/2 Orange and 1/2 Lemon
- Oil (for greasing)
For the Cranberry-Nut Filling:
- 150g Dried Cranberries
- 75g Pecan Nuts
- 75g Pistachio Nuts
For the Almond Filling:
- 125g Blanched Almonds
- 125g Sugar
- 50g Pumpkin Puree
- Zests of 1/2 Orange and 1/2 Lemon
For Decoration:
- 75g Dark Chocolate
- 7 Dark Chocolate Kerstkransjes (or substitute with dark chocolate chunks and colorful mini sugar pearls)

Instructions

Soak the cranberries in boiling water for 15 minutes, then chop the nuts. Drain and pat dry the cranberries.
Combine dough ingredients in a mixing bowl. Knead for about 8 minutes with a mixer.
Gradually add butter to the dough until fully incorporated.
Mix in the cranberries and nuts gently.
Let the dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 1 hour.
Process almonds, sugar, and citrus zests until fine. Mix in pumpkin puree. Chill this mixture.
Roll dough into an oval, spread almond filling in the center, and fold dough over it.
Let the folded dough rise, covered, for another hour.
Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Bake for 35 minutes until golden.
Brush with vegan butter for a shiny crust. Cool completely.
Melt chocolate and chop kerstkransjes. Decorate the bread with chocolate and kerstkransjes pieces.

Embrace the spirit of the holidays with this Vegan Kerststol, a perfect addition to your Christmas table. Enjoy the flavors of tradition, reimagined with love and care. Merry Christmas from all of us at Dutch Health Store!