Reclaim Tradition: Nostalgic Holiday Baking with a Sugar-Free Stollen

Hello, dear readers! As the festive season approaches, what better way to celebrate than by diving into the world of holiday baking? This week, we're taking a delightful journey back in time with a healthy twist on a classic treat: sugar-free stollen. Join us as we explore how you can bring a touch of nostalgia to your dessert table, all while embracing tradition in a way that's kind to your waistline. So, are you ready to impress your loved ones with a dessert that's both delicious and guilt-free? Let's get baking!

Unwrapping the Past: The History of Sugar-Free Stollen

Stollen, a cherished tradition during the festive season, has been delighting families for centuries. Originating from Germany, this fruit-filled bread is typically rich and sweet. Yet, as we reclaim tradition with a focus on health, sugar-free stollen has emerged as a delightful alternative. By using natural sweeteners, it captures the nostalgia of classic holiday baking while aligning with modern wellness goals. This healthier version allows for indulgence without the guilt, making it perfect for today’s health-conscious bakers who wish to honour tradition without compromising on taste.

A Healthier Tradition: Tips for Sugar-Free Holiday Baking

Embracing a sugar-free lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing the joy of holiday baking. By substituting refined sugar with alternatives like ZUKR, you can create desserts that are both delicious and nutritious. Opting for whole-grain flours and adding spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can enhance flavour while keeping your treats healthy. Experimenting with fruit purees or natural extracts can also add a depth of flavour to your sugar-free stollen. These small adjustments ensure your festive creations are both traditional and mindful, bringing a healthier twist to your holiday table.

Recipe of the Week: ZUKR Christmas Stollen

This week's feature is the ZUKR Christmas Stollen, a remarkable twist on the traditional holiday classic. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of dried fruits and nuts, this stollen is sweetened with ZUKR, a sugar-free alternative that ensures every bite is indulgent yet guilt-free. Its moist, tender crumb is beautifully complemented by a subtle hint of citrus and warm spices, making it a standout on any festive dessert table.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 500g strong white bread flour

• 100ml warm full-fat milk

• 7g instant yeast

• 1 medium egg

• 150g softened unsalted butter

• 100g ZUKR Classic

• Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional)

• ½ tsp fine sea salt

Fruits & Nuts:

• 100g raisins or sultanas

• 50g chopped dried apricots or cranberries

• 40g chopped almonds (or pistachios for color)

• 2 tbsp dark rum or orange juice (for soaking)

Marzipan:

• 200g ground almonds

• 100g ZUKR Powdered

• 1 tsp almond extract

• 2–3 tbsp water or aquafaba

Finish:

• 30g melted butter

• Extra ZUKR Powdered for dusting

Instructions

1. Soak the Fruit (Can prep ahead)

Combine dried fruit, nuts, and rum/orange juice in a bowl. Let sit for at least 1 hour (or overnight in fridge).

2. Make the Dough

• Heat the milk; add yeast and 1 tsp ZUKR, then let sit until foamy (10 mins).

• In a large bowl, mix flour, the remaining ZUKR, zest, spices, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and butter. Knead for 10–12 mins until smooth.

• Fold in the soaked fruit/nuts.

3. First Rise

Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1.5 hrs).

4. Make the Marzipan

Combine ground almonds, powdered ZUKR, almond extract, and water into a smooth dough. Shape into a log.

5. Shape the Stollen

• Roll out dough into an oval (about 2cm thick).

• Position marzipan log slightly off-centre.

• Fold the dough over and press to seal, forming a lopsided loaf.

6. Second Rise

Place on a lined baking tray. Cover loosely and let rise again (45 mins).

7. Bake

Bake at 180°C (fan 160°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

8. Final Touch

While still warm, brush with melted butter. Once cooled, dust with powdered ZUKR.

With ZUKR Christmas Stollen, revel in the heartwarming traditions of holiday baking while celebrating a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy the perfect balance of nostalgia and wellness with this delightful treat that keeps the festive spirit alive!

Creating Nostalgia: Sharing Stories of Family and Festive Feasts

Holiday baking is more than just a culinary activity; it’s about creating memories and sharing stories. Imagine gathering in the kitchen with loved ones, the warm aroma of sugar-free stollen filling the air, as tales of past festive feasts are recounted. Baking together not only strengthens family bonds but also allows you to pass down healthier traditions to the next generation. This isn't just about reclaiming tradition—it's about creating new memories and stories that your family will cherish for years to come. Share your own stories with us, and let's continue this festive legacy together.

As we wrap up, remember that holiday baking is a journey of nostalgia, tradition, and health. Whether you're reclaiming old recipes or creating new ones, let this season be a time of indulgence without the regret. Embrace sugar-free stollen, share your stories, and continue inspiring others with your healthy choices. Stay sweet, stay healthy, and enjoy these festive moments with loved ones. Until next time, keep baking with joy and mindfulness!

Warmest Regards,

Nabila & Luke and The Sweet Revolution Team

Thank you for being a part of our Sweet Revolution community! 🙏❤️

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