Russian Krendl Bread

Total Time Prep: 45 min. + rising Bake: 45 min. + cooling
Yield 24 servings
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
While dinning with a Russian immigrant family, I jumped at the chance to add this wonderful bread they served to my recipe collection. Of course, I never turn down hugs from my grandchildren after I've prepared something special...and this recipe always works! —Ann Sodman, Evans, Colorado

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm half-and-half cream or whole milk (110° to 115°)
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • FILLING:
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped dried apples
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped dried apricots
  • 1/3 cup chopped pitted dried plums (prunes)
  • 5 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm cream. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla, salt, yeast mixture and 1-1/2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. For filling, in a large saucepan, combine juice, apple, dried fruits, 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until mixture reaches a jam-like consistency, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a bowl; cool completely.
  4. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a 32x10-in. rectangle. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough to within 1 in. of edges. Mix cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over top. Spread with fruit mixture. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam and ends to seal.
  5. Place on a greased baking sheet, seam side down; form into a pretzel shape. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°.
  6. Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 146 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

While dinning with a Russian immigrant family, I jumped at the chance to add this wonderful bread they served to my recipe collection. Of course, I never turn down hugs from my grandchildren after I've prepared something special...and this recipe always works! —Ann Sodman, Evans, Colorado
Recipe Creator

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