Description
This Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath is a festive, soft, swirled holiday bread filled with bright cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and warm cinnamon sugar. It looks like a stunning bakery centerpiece but is easy enough to make at home. Perfect for Christmas brunch, gifting, or cozy winter mornings.
Ingredients
Scale
- Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Filling:
- 4 tbsp softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- Optional:
- Honey or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk until slightly warm. Add yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar. Add melted butter and the yeast mixture. Add flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours or until doubled.
- Prepare Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Chop cranberries and pistachios.
- Roll the Dough: Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon butter over the surface. Sprinkle cranberries and pistachios evenly.
- Form the Log: Roll tightly into a long log from the long side.
- Cut & Twist: Slice the log lengthwise into two strands. Turn the cut sides upward. Twist the strands together gently.
- Shape the Wreath: Form the twist into a circle and pinch the ends together.
- Second Rise: Let the wreath rest for 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and baked through.
- Optional Finish: Brush with warm honey or melted butter for shine.
Notes
This wreath can be made ahead by refrigerating the shaped dough overnight. Swap pistachios for pecans, almonds, or walnuts if preferred. For extra sweetness, add a drizzle of icing or powdered sugar after cooling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg