The dough is enriched with milk, eggs, an extra yolk and butter, and flavoured with orange zest, vanilla and a little orange blossom water.
After two rises it is shaped into a large ring, brushed with egg wash and decorated with strips of candied orange peel, candied cherries or mixed fruit and coarse sugar or sprinkles. Nothing is baked inside it.
Why This Recipe Works
- Kneading 8 to 10 minutes develops a dough that can hold the ring shape.
- Two rises give a light, soft crumb.
- Egg wash gives the glossy golden surface and holds the decorations.
- About 190°F inside shows the bread is baked through.
Dough, Ring, Bake
About three hours from start to finish, mostly rising time.
Stage 1 of 4
Dough
Steps 1–2 of 6
Mixed and kneaded until smooth.
- Dry mixWhisk all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and fine salt.
- KneadedAdd warm whole milk, large eggs, egg yolk, softened unsalted butter, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water. Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
Stage 2 of 4
First rise
Steps 3–3 of 6
60 to 75 minutes, until nearly doubled.
- First riseCover and let rise 60 to 75 minutes, until nearly doubled.
Stage 3 of 4
Ring and second rise
Steps 4–4 of 6
Shaped on parchment and risen 35 to 45 minutes.
- Shaped ringShape into a large ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rise 35 to 45 minutes.
Stage 4 of 4
Decorate and bake
Steps 5–6 of 6
Egg wash, candied fruit and sugar, then 28 to 32 minutes at 350°F.
- Washed and decoratedHeat oven to 350°F. Brush the ring with the egg wash and decorate with candied orange peel, candied cherries or mixed candied fruit, and coarse sugar or colored sprinkles.
- BakedBake 28 to 32 minutes, until deep golden and about 190°F inside. Cool before slicing.
How to Make It
Dry mix
Whisk all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and fine salt.
Kneaded
Add warm whole milk, large eggs, egg yolk, softened unsalted butter, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water. Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
First rise
Cover and let rise 60 to 75 minutes, until nearly doubled.
Shaped ring
Shape into a large ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rise 35 to 45 minutes.
Washed and decorated
Heat oven to 350°F. Brush the ring with the egg wash and decorate with candied orange peel, candied cherries or mixed candied fruit, and coarse sugar or colored sprinkles.
Baked
Bake 28 to 32 minutes, until deep golden and about 190°F inside. Cool before slicing.
Ingredient Notes
- Orange blossom water
- Half a teaspoon; it is strong, so measure carefully.
- Candied orange peel
- A third of a cup, cut into strips for the top.
- Warm whole milk
- Three quarters of a cup at 110°F.
Success Tips
- Leave a wide hole in the center; it closes up as the dough rises.
- Press the candied fruit in lightly so it stays put in the oven.
- Cool the ring before slicing so the crumb sets.
Serving Ideas
Slice and serve with hot chocolate or coffee.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Store airtight at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anything baked inside the bread?
No, nothing is hidden in this ring.
How do I know it is baked?
It is deep golden and reads about 190°F inside.
