Save A festive and dazzling sweet bread shaped like a crown, adorned with colorful candied fruits and sugar pearls—a showstopping centerpiece perfect for celebrations.
This recipe has been a highlight at our holiday gatherings, impressing guests with both appearance and taste.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g all-purpose flour, 80 g granulated sugar, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 200 ml warm milk, 2 large eggs, 100 g unsalted butter softened, 1 tsp salt, zest of 1 orange, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Decoration: 100 g assorted candied fruits (cherries, orange peel, citron), 2 tbsp pearl sugar, 1 egg yolk (for egg wash), 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash), 1 tbsp apricot jam (for glazing)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, vanilla, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a large ring (crown) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 40 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 8:
- Whisk the egg yolk with milk and brush over the risen dough.
- Step 9:
- Decorate the crown with candied fruits and pearl sugar, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Step 11:
- While still warm, brush the crown with warmed apricot jam for shine. Let cool before serving.
Save Our family loves gathering around to share this bread during holidays, making every celebration extra special.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, stand mixer (optional), baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and dairy (butter, milk). Candied fruits may contain traces of nuts or sulfites check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories 340 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 7 g (per serving)
Save This Couronne de Roi is as delightful to make as it is to eat, sure to brighten any festive table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives this bread its crown shape?
The dough is shaped into a large ring before the final rise, creating the distinctive crown form.
- → Which fruits are used for decoration?
Assorted candied fruits such as cherries, orange peel, and citron add color and sweetness to the bread’s surface.
- → How is the shiny glaze achieved?
A brush of warmed apricot jam is applied immediately after baking to give a glossy, appetizing finish.
- → Can I add nuts to this bread?
Yes, slivered almonds can be incorporated for extra crunch and flavor enhancement.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg yolk mixed with milk is brushed on the dough before baking to ensure a golden, appealing crust.
- → Is fermentation important for this bread?
Yes, allowing the dough to rise twice develops its airy texture and rich flavor.