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No Knead Holiday Bread

This holiday yeast bread is so easy to make and requires NO kneading! It’s pretty, festive and sure to be a hit at your Christmas table!
No Knead Holiday Bread
Yield 1 (9x5-inch) loaf or 4 small loaves

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3 cups bread flour, divided
  • 2 (0.25oz each) packages (14g) or 4 1/2 teaspoons Red Star Active Dry Yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons shortening (or butter)
  • 1/2 cup candied fruits (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (chopped)

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon butter (softened)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons hot milk (use more or less to achieve desired consistency)

Instructions

  • In a stand bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well. In saucepan or microwave-safe dish, heat milk, water and shortening until warm (120-130°F; shortening does not need to melt). Add to flour mixture. Using a paddle attachment, blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed. Gradually stir in candied fruits, nuts and remaining flour to make a stiff batter.
    (NOTE: For hand mixing: following above steps, mix ingredients in large mixing bowl using a wooden spoon or dough whisk.)
  • Cover; let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  • Stir down batter. Spoon into one greased 9x5-inch bread pan or four well-greased 20-ounce cans. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double, a out 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pan or cans; cool on wire rack.
  • To make the glaze: stir together the sifted powdered sugar, butter and milk. Add more/less milk to achieve desired consistency. 
  • Drizzle with glaze and garnish with additional fruit and nuts, if desired.

Notes

Photo by Taylor Kiser.