Three Kings Bread Ring with Candied Fruit Glaze
A soft, citrus-scented yeast bread ring brushed with an apricot glaze and topped with candied fruit. Serves 12 and bakes in a 10-inch ring pan in 30 minutes.
This sweet bread ring is a Spanish and Latin American tradition for January 6th, though it makes a pretty centerpiece any time. The dough is soft and scented with citrus and vanilla, then topped with shiny candied fruit.
Tips for Success
- Be patient with the rises; warm kitchens speed things up and cold ones slow them.
- The dough should feel soft, not stiff. Too much flour makes a dry ring.
- Cover the bowl so the dough does not form a crust.
- Brush the glaze while the bread is warm so it soaks in.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Bake up to a day ahead and keep wrapped at room temperature. Warm slices briefly in the oven. Freezes for 2 months without the topping.
Variations
- Fill with pastry cream and dust with powdered sugar instead of glaze.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots to the dough.
- Top with sliced almonds and pearl sugar.
Three Kings Bread Ring with Candied Fruit Glaze
Ingredients
Instructions
- For the starter, beat the yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 eggs in a bowl. Add 1 2/3 cups flour and beat until smooth. The dough should be very soft; add a splash of water or milk if too stiff.
- Cover the bowl and let the starter rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the other 2 eggs, 1/3 cup sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, orange blossom water, and liqueur. Stir in the butter until smooth.
- Add 2 1/2 cups flour and the salt and stir to a shaggy dough.
- Add the risen starter and knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic but no longer sticky.
- Place in a large greased bowl, cover, and let rise 30 to 45 minutes, until doubled.
- Grease a 10-inch tube or ring pan. Punch the dough down gently, shape it into a rope, and join the ends to make a ring in the pan.
- Cover and let rise until the dough almost reaches the rim, 30 to 45 minutes. Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the ring with beaten egg and bake 30 minutes, until deep golden and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Meanwhile, stir the jam, sugar, and water in a small pan, boil for 1 minute, then cool slightly.
- Brush the warm bread with the glaze. Press on candied fruit and sprinkle with sugar and coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the figurine hidden in Three Kings bread?
Tradition hides a tiny figure or dried bean in the bread; whoever finds it is lucky. Skip it for young children, since it can be a choking hazard.
Can I use a regular loaf pan?
A ring pan gives the traditional shape, but you can shape the dough into a ring on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake it the same way.
How do I know the dough has risen enough?
It should double and spring back slowly when you press it with a finger. If it snaps back, it needs more time.
