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Homemade Braided Bread Recipe: Oma's Easy Hefezopf

Braided Bread Recipe: Discover the classic German hefezopf, a sweet, lemon-scented bread with raisins and almonds, perfect for holidays or any day of the year!

Ingredients:

• 3½ cups (455 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (10 grams) active dry yeast
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar, divided
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) lukewarm milk, divided
• ½ cup (114 grams) soft unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (6 grams) grated lemon zest
• 1 cup (150 grams) raisins
• ½ cup (120 grams) chopped candied lemon peel
• 1 cup (110 grams) slivered almonds
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ cup (50 grams) sliced almonds (optional)
• 1 cup (125 grams) powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Put the flour into the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, and make an indentation in the middle. Add the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the middle. Pour half the milk into the middle and, using a fork, mix the yeast, sugar, and milk together with a bit of the flour. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the pre-dough stand for 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Using the dough hook, stir in the rest of the sugar and milk, along with the butter, salt, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
3. Using your hands, knead in the raisins, lemon peel, and slivered almonds.
4. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
6. Gently punch the dough down to deflate it. Divide it into 3 equal parts and roll each piece into a 20-inch rope. Braid the ropes, pinching the ends and tucking them under to seal.
7. Place the braided dough on the prepared baking sheet. Cover the braid with a towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
8. Mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water. Brush the egg mixture over the braid. Sprinkle with the sliced almonds, if using.
9. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
10. Mix the powdered sugar with about 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) water to make a glaze. Pour or brush the glaze over the braid and sprinkle with more sliced almonds, if desired.

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Updated on December 1, 2025