Indulge in the spirit of the holidays with this Rustic Orange-Infused Ricotta Christmas Tree Bread. Meticulously crafted, this bread combines the rustic charm of traditional baking with the festive joy of Christmas. The dough, infused with a hint of fresh orange zest, wraps around a luscious filling of rich buffalo ricotta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Each bite offers a soft, pillowy texture, intermingled with the creamy richness of the cheese and the subtle citrus notes, making it a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
Why You'll Love This:
- Unique Presentation: Shaped like a Christmas tree, this bread is not just a dessert but a festive centerpiece that will enchant your guests.
- Delightful Flavor Combination: The fresh orange zest brings a zesty freshness, perfectly balancing the creamy richness of the buffalo ricotta.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for a holiday breakfast, dessert, or as a centerpiece at your festive gatherings.
- Homely and Heartwarming: Brings the comforting aromas of orange and baking into your home, enhancing the holiday atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- Dough: 500g of flour, 200ml of warm milk, 2 egg whites, 150g of sugar, 7g of dry yeast, zest of an orange, a pinch of salt and vanilla to taste.
- Filling: 300g of buffalo ricotta, 1 egg, 100g of sugar, zest of a lemon.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve a teaspoon of sugar and yeast in warm milk. Allow it to activate for 10 minutes. Gradually mix this with flour, egg whites, remaining sugar, orange zest, salt, and vanilla. Knead for about 10 minutes, then let it rise for an hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Combine the ricotta, egg, sugar, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth, then refrigerate.
- Shape the Bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into small portions and form each into a ball. Roll each ball flat, fill with ricotta mixture, and roll up. Cut each roll in half and twist each piece before shaping them into a tree on a baking sheet.
- Final Touches: Allow the shaped dough to rise for an additional 15 minutes. Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with fresh raspberries and almond flakes.
- Bake: Cook in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes. Once done, dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.