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Vánočka (Czech Christmas Bread) — World Holiday Bread Tour Week 1

Prep Time:

30 - 40 Minutes (3 Hours Rise Time)

Cook Time:

30 - 35 Minutes

Serves:

1 Loaf

Level:

Beginner

About the Recipe

This Vánočka is a classic Czech braided Christmas bread with a rich, tender crumb and a lightly sweet flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s a stunning loaf that’s easier to make than it looks. Check out our TikTok and YouTube channels for the full video.

Ingredients

For the dough

  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup (100g) sugar

  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F)

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted + slightly cooled

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 egg yolk (reserve the white for egg wash if you want)

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp almond extract (optional but lovely)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • ½ cup golden raisins (soaked 10–15 min in warm water or rum, then drained)

  • ½ cup sliced almonds (some inside, some for topping)

For finishing

  • 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)

  • Extra sliced almonds

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

  2. Add warm milk, melted butter, eggs + yolk, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon zest.

  3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. Add raisins + almonds and knead just to distribute.

  5. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

2. Prepare Your Braids

You’re making 3 tiers:

BOTTOM TIER — 4-strand braid

Divide dough into 4 equal pieces, roll into ropes 14–16 inches long. Braid the 4-strand

MIDDLE TIER — 3-strand braid

Make 3 ropes, slightly shorter (12–14 inches).Braid loosely.

TOP TIER — simple 2-strand twist

Two small ropes twisted together (10–12 inches).

Place each braid on top of the previous one, offsetting the seams so it doesn’t collapse.

Insert 2–3 wooden skewers straight down the loaf to help it keep its height while baking. Remove after baking.

3. Second Rise

Loosely cover and let rise 45–60 minutes, until puffy.

4. Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Brush the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

  3. Bake 30 minutes, then tent with foil if browning too fast.

  4. Continue baking 15–20 more minutes until golden, hollow-sounding, and 190°F internal temp.

Cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar.

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