We use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience, and analyse activities and performance. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. 
Recipe Detail Page
Speedy Stollen
Holiday 2008
The city of Dresden takes Christmas stollen so seriously that there is an annual festival as well as a certification program for these sweet yeast breads. This is not a Dresden stollen, but a vive la difference loaf that is much moister and meant to be devoured right away. Bake for a festive breakfast or as a much-appreciated host gift.
Makes 1 loaf, enough for 6 to 8 servings
4 oz (about 125 g) almond paste or marzipan
2½ cups (625 mL) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
2½ tsp (12 mL) baking powder
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
½ cup (125 mL) cold unsalted butter
1 cup (250 mL) extra-smooth ricotta cheese
1 egg
⅓ cup (75 mL) milk
2 tbsp (25 mL) rum or brandy
1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (50 mL) each of raisins, currants, dried cranberries and candied lemon ’n orange peel mixture
¾ cup (175 mL) slivered almonds, toasted
1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 25 mL) melted butter
2 tbsp (25 mL) homemade vanilla-sugar, or one 9-g envelope vanilla-sugar mixed with granulated sugar to equal 2 tbsp (see TIP)
1. Slice almond paste about ¼ inch (5 mm) thick; set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
3. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil coated with nonstick baking spray. (Note: preferably use a baking tray with a double bottom or 2 like-sizes sandwiched together.)
4. Stir flour with sugar, baking powder and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture; toss to evenly distribute. Stir cheese with egg, milk, rum and vanilla with a whisk until almost smooth.
5. Add mixed fruit and almonds to flour mixture; stir in cheese mixture. Pat out on a floured board until an oval about 10 inches (25 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. Lay marzipan slightly off-centre. Fold shorter side of dough over marzipan. Transfer loaf to baking sheet.
6. Bake in centre of preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserting into bread comes out clean and crust is a rich golden colour. Place on cooling rack; immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with vanilla sugar. Cool. Wrapped bread keeps well for several days at room temperature.
TIP: Vanilla sugar (Dr. Oetker brand) can be purchased at grocery stores in small envelopes. Or make it a household pantry item by plunging a split vanilla bean into 2 cups (500 mL) of sugar and sealing for several weeks.
Makes 1 loaf, enough for 6 to 8 servings
