Description
This delightful Raspberry and Pistachio Wreath combines the tartness of fresh raspberries with the crunch of pistachios in a soft, vegan sweet bread. Perfect for breakfast or as a festive dessert, this wreath features a flavorful yeast dough enriched with vegan butter and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. A sweet raspberry filling thickened with cornstarch and a sprinkle of chopped vegan chocolate and raisins add texture and bursts of flavor, while the sugar glaze with pistachio topping creates a stunning finish.
Ingredients
Raspberry Filling
- 1 cup (110g) fresh or frozen raspberries
- 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar (or liquid sweetener to taste)
- 2 tablespoons (14g) cornstarch
- Dash of water
- Squeeze of lemon juice, to taste (optional)
Dough
- 2 ½ – 3 cups (315-375g) all-purpose or bread flour (start with less and add more as needed)
- 2/3 cup (165g) dairy-free milk, warm
- 1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon (10g) instant dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt (if not using salted butter)
Additional Fillings
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped vegan chocolate
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Glaze and Topping
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30g) water
- 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Raspberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a dash of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Let cool completely.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm dairy-free milk and instant dry yeast. Allow to activate for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add the vegan butter, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms. If the dough is sticky, gradually add the remaining flour until it is soft but not sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling Mix: In a small bowl, mix the roughly chopped vegan chocolate, raisins, and ground ginger. Set aside.
- Shape the Wreath: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the cooled raspberry filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chocolate, raisin, and ginger mixture evenly on top.
- Roll and Form: Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise down the middle to expose the layers inside. Twist the two halves around each other, keeping the cut sides facing up. Form into a circular wreath shape, pinching the ends together to seal.
- Second Rise: Place the wreath on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the wreath for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Sugar Glaze: While the wreath bakes, combine the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat.
- Glaze and Add Pistachios: Remove the wreath from the oven and while still warm, brush it generously with the sugar glaze. Sprinkle the roughly chopped pistachios over the top to finish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the wreath to cool on a wire rack before serving to let the glaze set and flavors meld. Enjoy as a festive breakfast or dessert treat.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen raspberries for the filling—just thaw frozen ones before cooking.
- Adjust sweetness according to your preference by modifying the amount of sugar or using a liquid sweetener.
- Ensure the dairy-free milk used is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- For a non-vegan version, you can substitute vegan butter with regular butter and use milk instead of dairy-free milk.
- Store leftover wreath wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate and consume within 4 days.
- Reheat gently before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American