Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Can you believe it? A festive crown of deliciousness is about to grace your holiday table!” That’s the excitement I felt when I first attempted this Cranberry Pecan Couronne. As the aroma of orange zest mingles with the comforting scents of warm butter and spices, it transforms any kitchen into a cozy haven, perfect for gatherings or intimate breakfasts. This enriched dough bread not only looks impressive, but it also packs a delightful combination of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans that will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a splendid choice for those who want to impress without the fuss. Ready to dive into the world of festive baking with me? Let’s explore how to create this stunning holiday bread together! Why Is This Couronne a Must-Try? Deliciously Unique: This Cranberry Pecan Couronne transforms traditional bread into a stunning centerpiece, delighting both the eyes and taste buds. Festive Appeal: With its crown shape and vibrant colors, it’s perfect for holiday celebrations and makes gatherings feel extra special. Flavor Fusion: The sweet cranberries and nutty pecans combine beautifully, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s simply irresistible. Easy to Make: The step-by-step guide ensures you’ll craft this enchanting bread with ease, perfect for those who might be new to baking. Impressive Presentation: Serve this fluffy delight alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast. Don’t forget to check out our Pepper Chicken Mac for a delightful meal after breakfast! Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans Ingredients For the Dough Active Dry Yeast – Essential for achieving a light and airy texture in your couronne. Granulated Sugar – Activates the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness. Milk – Provides richness; remember to warm it to about 105-110°F (40-43°C) for optimal yeast activation. Unsalted Butter – Ensures a tender, fluffy loaf; melt it before mixing for best results. All-Purpose Flour – The main component that builds the structure; set aside extra for dusting. Salt – Enhances the flavor; don’t skip this crucial step! Egg Yolk – Enriches the dough and helps achieve a beautiful glaze. Oil – Use it to grease the bowl to prevent sticking. For the Filling Unsalted Butter – Must be softened to achieve a creamy frangipane filling. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the almond cream, making it deliciously rich. Egg – Binds the ingredients together, providing structure to the filling. Almond Flour – Serves as the filling’s base; can be swapped with almond meal if necessary. Cognac or Rum (splash) – Adds a depth of flavor; it’s optional but highly recommended! Dried Cranberries – Adds a delightful sweetness and chewiness to the filling. Pecan Pieces – Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor; interchangeable with other nuts if desired. Orange Zest – Brightens the filling with a fresh citrus note; don’t skip this! Cornstarch – Optional, aids in stabilizing the filling to prevent melting during baking. For the Topping Powdered Sugar – A sweet finish to dust over your finished couronne for visual appeal and added flavor. Large Egg (for egg wash) – Gives the bread a shiny, golden crust when baked. Creating this stunning Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans will surely impress your family and friends, all while making your kitchen smell heavenly! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans Step 1: Activate the Yeast In a medium bowl, combine the active dry yeast with granulated sugar and warm milk (between 105-110°F or 40-43°C). Stir gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. This crucial step sets the stage for your fluffy couronne, so don’t skip it! Step 2: Make the Dough In a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix in the activated yeast mixture along with the egg yolk. Knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Step 3: Proof the Dough Transfer your dough into a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with a light layer of oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is essential for achieving that fluffy texture in your Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans. Step 4: Prepare the Filling While the dough is rising, you can prepare the creamy frangipane filling. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, almond flour, a splash of cognac or rum if desired, and cornstarch. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a luscious filling perfect for the couronne. Step 5: Shape the Dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 9 inches by 13 inches. Spread the frangipane filling evenly across the dough, then sprinkle dried cranberries, pecan pieces, and orange zest over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Step 6: Create the Couronne Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once rolled, cut it vertically down the middle to form a “wishbone” shape. Braid the two halves together, taking care to keep the filling from spilling out, and circle the ends together to form a beautiful wreath shape, which is the hallmark of your couronne. Step 7: Final Rise Place the shaped couronne on a lined baking sheet and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for an additional 30-40 minutes at room temperature until it has puffed up beautifully. This final rise is crucial for a light and airy bread, helping your Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans shine. Step 8: Bake Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the couronne has risen, gently brush the top with an egg wash for that golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the couronne is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine! Step 9: Cool and Serve Remove the baked couronne from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust it generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Slice and serve this irresistible Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans as a centerpiece for your breakfast or festive gatherings. What to Serve with Cranberry Pecan Couronne? Elevate your holiday feast by complementing this decadent couronne with delightful sides and drinks that enhance its richness. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the heavy, sweet bread, balancing the flavors beautifully. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery texture pairs perfectly with the couronne, offering a comforting element to your festive spread. Warm Spiced Cider: A sip of this aromatic drink can enhance the comforting flavors of your couronne, making the experience cozy and inviting. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: The salty crunch of bacon and the sweetness of maple syrup complement the nutty pecans in the bread, creating a symphony of flavors. Dark Chocolate Mousse: This rich dessert creates a blissful ending to your meal, contrasting with the sweet and nutty notes of the couronne. Herbed Cream Cheese Spread: Slather this savory blend over slices of your couronne; the herbs add depth, making each bite even more delicious. Sparkling Wine: Celebrate with the effervescence of bubbly, which refreshes your palate after each delicious bite of the couronne. Ginger Tea: The soothing spice of ginger tea can help enhance the overall warmth of your meal, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Expert Tips for Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans • Keep It Cold: Refrigerate the filled couronne for 20-30 minutes before baking to prevent the filling from melting during the baking process. • Monitor Rising Time: Ensure the dough has doubled in size before shaping. Insufficient rising can lead to a dense couronne that lacks fluffiness. • Flour Wisely: Use just enough flour while rolling to prevent sticking. Too much flour can alter the dough’s texture, making it dry. • Perfect Egg Wash: For a beautiful, shiny crust, brush the dough with the egg wash right before baking. This simple step enhances the final presentation of your couronne with cranberries and pecans. • Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to keep it from melting into a sticky mess. • Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different nuts or dried fruits to personalize your couronne. Each variation brings its charm to this delightful recipe! Variations & Substitutions for Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize this couronne to suit your tastes and pantry! Nut Swap: Replace pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds for a different flavor profile. Each nut brings its unique crunch and taste. Dried Fruit Twist: Try using dried cherries or apricots instead of cranberries. The tartness of cherries can create an exciting contrast, while apricots yield a sweet surprise! Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, festive flair. Spices can elevate the entirety of your couronne, bringing aromatic memories of cozy holidays. Citrus Variation: Incorporate lemon or grapefruit zest for a new citrus dimension. The zesty brightness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dried fruits. Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer, and use plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version. This way, everyone can enjoy this festive delight! Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough or filling. It can create a fragrant undercurrent that resonates through each slice. Cheesy Surprise: For a savory twist, sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese or feta into the filling. Just imagine how deliciously creamy that will be! Elevated Glaze: After baking, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice over the couronne for added sweetness and visual appeal. This step adds a lovely finish, enhancing both beauty and flavor. For even more delightful recipes, consider trying our Slow Cooker Beef or the vibrant and delicious Caribbean Chicken Rice. Each dish brings something special to the table, just like your lovely couronne! Make Ahead Options These Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans are perfect for those busy mornings or festive gatherings! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance by placing the dough in a greased bowl, covering it securely, and refrigerating it overnight. This helps maintain its quality and flavor. Just remember to let the dough return to room temperature before shaping and taking it through the final rise. You can also roll and shape the couronne ahead of time; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, brush with an egg wash and bake straight from the fridge for a warm, impressive treat that tastes just as delicious as if it were freshly made! Storage Tips for Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans Room Temperature: Keep your freshly baked couronne in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its delightful texture. Fridge: If you prefer to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 5 days. Just be aware it may lose some of its fluffiness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled couronne wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive its freshness and warmth. Your couronne with cranberries and pecans will taste just as delightful! Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe FAQs What should I look for when choosing cranberries? When selecting dried cranberries, look for ones that are plump and moist, with no dark spots or hard edges. Avoid those that are overly dry or shriveled, as they may taste tough once baked. Aim for high-quality cranberries to enhance the flavor of your Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans. How should I store my baked couronne? Store your freshly baked couronne in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong its life, you can refrigerate it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. However, it may lose some fluffiness in the fridge. For optimal texture and flavor, enjoy it at room temperature! Can I freeze the couronne? Absolutely! Once your couronne has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for maximum protection. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to refresh its delightful texture. What if my dough isn’t rising properly? If your dough isn’t rising as expected, check the yeast’s freshness. Active dry yeast should bubble and foam when mixed with warm milk and sugar. If it doesn’t, your yeast may be expired. Also, ensure that your dough is in a warm environment during proofing; if it’s too cool, it may take longer to rise or not rise at all. A warm oven (turned off) can be a great spot for rising! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? This couronne is nut-friendly, but be cautious if you’re serving guests with nut allergies. You can use nut-free alternatives, such as seeds, in place of the pecans for a similar crunch without the risk. Additionally, if you prefer to make it dairy-free, you can substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives, but be sure to adjust the consistency as needed. Can I use different fillings for my couronne? Yes! The fun part of making a couronne is that you can customize the filling! Instead of cranberries and pecans, why not try walnuts with a dash of cinnamon or cherries with almonds? Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the sugar level depending on the sweetness of the new fruit or nut. Experimenting with different fillings can yield delightful new versions of your couronne! These FAQs should help guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans, ensuring you have a wonderful baking experience! Festive Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans This delightful Couronne with Cranberries and Pecans is a festive centerpiece combining sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans for a perfect holiday treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsFinal Rise 40 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 230 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 packet Active Dry Yeast1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar1 cup Milk Warmed to 105-110°F4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Melted4 cups All-Purpose Flour Plus extra for dusting1 teaspoon Salt1 Egg Yolk1 tablespoon Oil For greasingFor the Filling4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Softened1/2 cup Granulated Sugar1 large Egg1 cup Almond Flour Can substitute with almond meal1 tablespoon Cognac or Rum Optional splash1 cup Dried Cranberries3/4 cup Pecan Pieces Interchangeable with other nuts1 tablespoon Orange Zest1 tablespoon Cornstarch OptionalFor the Topping1 cup Powdered Sugar For dusting1 large Egg For egg wash Equipment stand mixerMixing bowlsBaking sheetwire rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsActivate the yeast by combining it with sugar and warm milk, letting it rest until frothy.Make the dough by mixing flour and salt, then adding the yeast mixture and kneading until elastic.Proof the dough in a greased bowl, letting it rise until doubled in size.Prepare the filling by creaming butter and sugar, then adding egg, almond flour, and other ingredients.Shape the dough by rolling it out, spreading the filling, and adding cranberries, pecans, and zest.Create the couronne by rolling the dough into a log, cutting it, and braiding it before forming a wreath shape.Let the couronne rise again on a baking sheet, then bake until golden brown.Cool the baked couronne on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesRefrigerate the filled couronne before baking to prevent the filling from melting. Ensure proper rising for fluffiness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
