Get ready to be the holiday hero with the most jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy bread recipe that will make your family and friends go absolutely wild! This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread isn't just a recipe—it's an edible work of art that transforms your holiday table into a festive wonderland. Imagine a bread so stunning, it looks like a miniature Christmas tree adorned with colorful "ornaments" that you can actually eat. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver maximum wow factor with minimal stress.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 tree
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup green food coloring
- 1/2 cup red food coloring
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, gradually add the melted butter and mix well.
- Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- In one portion, add the green food coloring and knead until the color is evenly distributed. In the other portion, add the red food coloring and knead until fully combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the bread. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the green dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the green dough into star shapes or triangles to resemble the branches of a Christmas tree.
- Roll out the red dough in the same manner, and cut it into small circles or shapes to represent ornaments on the tree.
- Take the green star-shaped pieces and stack them vertically, starting from the bottom and working your way up to form a tree shape. Use the red ornaments to place in between the green pieces, creating a festive look.
- Transfer the assembled tree onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to rise for another 15-20 minutes, covered with a towel.
- Once the tree has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust the top with confectioners' sugar for a snowy effect before serving.
- Slice and pull apart the bread to enjoy this festive treat with family and friends!
Tips
- Yeast is your friend: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Food coloring trick: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors that won't alter the dough's consistency.
- Kneading matters: Take your time kneading to develop gluten, which gives your bread a perfect texture.
- Rising environment: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising.
- Parchment paper is key: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Don't overbake: Watch your bread closely to achieve that perfect golden-brown color without drying out.
- Cooling is crucial: Let the bread cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate for convenience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 8mg
