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Cranberry Pistachio Babka Bread Wreath

Soft, buttery, orange-scented dough is swirled with crunchy pistachios and cranberries for a festive twist on a classic babka recipe. Perfect for holidays or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups bread flour (420g), plus more if needed
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons water, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon orange extract (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen, frozen preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon bread flour
  • ¼ to ½ cup unsalted shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped (optional)
  • 1 large egg or egg white (for egg wash, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash, optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, sugar, water, yeast, vanilla, orange zest, orange extract (if using), salt, and eggs in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix on low speed for about 4 minutes, just until the dough comes together.
  2. Add butter one tablespoon at a time along with cinnamon (if using), and continue mixing for about 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. Shape dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 1 to 1½ hours until puffy.
  4. Roll the dough out into an approximately 9×18-inch rectangle.
  5. Spread pistachio paste mixture across the dough.
  6. Sprinkle flour-coated cranberries and most of the pistachios (if using) on top of the paste.
  7. Roll the dough tightly into a long log, pinch the edge together to seal.
  8. Form the log into a wreath shape, pinch the ends together, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  11. Brush with egg wash (if using).
  12. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
  13. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, use frozen cranberries to prevent bleeding. You can substitute pistachios with other nuts if desired. The wreath can be made ahead and reheated before serving.

  • Author: Dorothy Miller
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18
  • Sodium: 200
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 7
  • Cholesterol: 70