Schnitzbrot: A Delicious German Christmas Bread Recipe

Schnitzbrot, also known as Fruit Bread, is a traditional German Christmas bread packed with dried fruits and nuts. It’s a dense, flavorful bread that’s perfect for enjoying during the holiday season. This recipe will guide you through the steps of making your own delicious Schnitzbrot at home.

## What is Schnitzbrot?

Schnitzbrot translates to “sliced bread” but refers to its composition more than its preparation. It is a yeast-leavened bread dense with dried fruits such as pears, plums, apples, figs, and raisins, along with nuts like almonds and walnuts. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom give it a warm, festive flavor. Often, it is soaked in rum or brandy to add moisture and enhance the flavor.

Schnitzbrot is a cherished Christmas tradition in Germany, especially in the regions of Swabia and Franconia. It is often baked in advance and allowed to mature, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. It’s commonly served sliced with butter or cheese, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of coffee or tea.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Festive and Flavorful:** The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices creates a truly delightful and festive bread. It’s the perfect treat for the holidays.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Schnitzbrot can be made several days or even weeks in advance. This makes it a great option for busy holiday bakers.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of dried fruits and nuts.
* **Traditional:** Enjoy a taste of authentic German Christmas baking with this classic recipe.
* **Great for Gifting:** Schnitzbrot makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Dried Fruits:**
* 250g Dried pears, chopped
* 250g Dried plums, chopped
* 150g Dried apples, chopped
* 100g Dried figs, chopped
* 100g Raisins
* 50g Currants
* **Nuts:**
* 150g Almonds, roughly chopped
* 100g Walnuts, roughly chopped
* **Liquids:**
* 150ml Dark Rum or Brandy (plus extra for soaking)
* 100ml Warm Water
* **Dough Ingredients:**
* 500g All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for dusting
* 1 package (7g) Active Dry Yeast
* 75g Brown Sugar
* 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
* ½ tsp Ground Cloves
* ¼ tsp Ground Cardamom
* ½ tsp Salt
* 50g Butter, melted
* 1 Egg, lightly beaten
* **Optional:**
* Apricot Jam or Honey, for glazing
* Powdered sugar for dusting

## Equipment

* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
* Clean kitchen towel
* Wire rack
* Stand mixer (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine all the dried fruits (pears, plums, apples, figs, raisins, and currants).
2. Pour the rum or brandy over the dried fruits. Stir well to ensure all the fruits are coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it soak for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days, at room temperature. Stir occasionally to ensure even soaking. The longer the fruits soak, the more flavorful and moist your Schnitzbrot will be. Make sure to stir it at least once a day.

### Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
4. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.

### Step 3: Combine Fruit and Dough

1. Drain any excess liquid from the soaked fruit mixture (reserve the liquid for soaking the baked bread later, if desired).
2. Add the soaked fruit and chopped nuts to the dough.
3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, either by hand on a lightly floured surface or in a stand mixer with the dough hook, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough will be quite sticky, but try not to add too much extra flour.

### Step 4: First Rise

1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. This prevents the dough from drying out.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your room.

### Step 5: Shape the Bread

1. Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Divide the dough in half (or into thirds, depending on the size loaves you want).
4. Shape each portion into a round or oval loaf. You can make it long or short based on your preferred look.

### Step 6: Second Rise

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the shaped loaves on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
4. Let the loaves rise for another 30-45 minutes. They should be noticeably puffed up.

### Step 7: Bake the Schnitzbrot

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Place the baking sheet with the loaves in the preheated oven.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. To check for doneness, you can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 93°C (200°F).
4. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will prevent them from burning.

### Step 8: Cool and Soak (Optional)

1. Remove the baked Schnitzbrot from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
2. While the bread is still warm, you can brush it with some of the reserved rum or brandy from the fruit soaking. This will add extra moisture and flavor.
3. Let the Schnitzbrot cool completely before slicing and serving. It is best to let the loaves sit for at least a day, or even longer for the flavors to meld.

### Step 9: Glaze and Dust (Optional)

1. For a shiny glaze, warm apricot jam or honey in a small saucepan until melted and smooth.
2. Brush the glaze over the cooled Schnitzbrot.
3. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

## Tips for Success

* **Soaking the Fruit:** Don’t skip the soaking step! This is crucial for creating a moist and flavorful Schnitzbrot. The longer you soak the fruit, the better. Consider using high-quality rum or brandy for the best results.
* **Kneading the Dough:** The dough will be sticky, but resist the urge to add too much extra flour. Over-flouring can result in a dry bread. A stand mixer is helpful for kneading sticky doughs, but you can also knead it by hand on a lightly floured surface.
* **Rising Time:** The rising time will vary depending on the temperature of your room. Be patient and allow the dough to double in size. The first rise is more important than the second.
* **Baking Time:** Keep an eye on the bread while it’s baking. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil.
* **Cooling and Maturing:** Allow the Schnitzbrot to cool completely before slicing. The flavors will develop and meld as the bread sits, making it even more delicious.
* **Storage:** Wrap the cooled Schnitzbrot tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for several weeks at room temperature, or even longer in the refrigerator. Freezing is also an option; wrap well to prevent freezer burn.
* **Spice it up:** Feel free to add other spices such as allspice, nutmeg, or ginger to your dough for an even more complex flavour profile. Experiment and find your perfect Christmas spice blend.
* **Fruit Choices:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dried fruits to suit your tastes. Cranberries, dates, or even candied citrus peels could be delicious additions. Try to keep the total quantity of fruit consistent to maintain the correct ratio in the recipe.
* **Nut Variations:** Walnuts and almonds are traditional, but pecans, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts could be substituted. Make sure to chop the nuts into roughly the same size pieces for even distribution throughout the dough.

## Serving Suggestions

* Slice and serve with butter or cheese.
* Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Toast slices and spread with jam or honey.
* Serve as part of a Christmas dessert platter.
* Pair with a glass of mulled wine or eggnog.
* Use slices to make French toast for a special holiday breakfast.

## Variations

* **Chocolate Schnitzbrot:** Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist. You could also add chocolate chips or chunks to the fruit mixture.
* **Citrus Schnitzbrot:** Add grated orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. You could also use candied citrus peel in the fruit mixture.
* **Spiced Schnitzbrot:** Experiment with different spices, such as allspice, nutmeg, or ginger, to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Nut-Free Schnitzbrot:** Omit the nuts or substitute them with seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
* **Vegan Schnitzbrot:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and ensure your rum or brandy is vegan-friendly.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Wrap the cooled Schnitzbrot tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for several weeks at room temperature.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the Schnitzbrot in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a month.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the Schnitzbrot tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per slice)

* Calories: 300-400
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the slices.*

## Conclusion

Schnitzbrot is a delightful and flavorful German Christmas bread that’s sure to become a holiday favorite. With its rich combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, it’s the perfect treat to share with friends and family. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making your own delicious Schnitzbrot at home. Enjoy the process of creating this traditional bread and savor the warm, festive flavors of the holiday season! Whether you enjoy it with butter, cheese, or simply on its own, Schnitzbrot is a wonderful way to celebrate the magic of Christmas.
Enjoy baking and Happy Holidays!