Stollen

Stollen is a rich bread originating from Germany, prepared by fermentation with yeasts, usually containing dried fruits and nuts and topped with icing sugar. Traditionally eaten at Christmas and sometimes called Christstollen, its dense, buttery crumb keeps well for weeks, improving as the flavours meld during storage. The high fruit and fat content demands careful dough handling, even distribution of the inclusions, and thorough but gentle baking to achieve a moist, never dry, texture. Dusting with icing sugar just before serving gives the characteristic snowy finish of this festive loaf.