Pineapple Apricot Braid

A tropical delight!

Pineapple Apricot Braid

Yield

1 braid, about 12 servings 1 braid, about 12 servings

Prep Time

0:50 0:50

Bake Time

40 to 45 minutes 40 to 45 minutes

Rise Time

1-1/2 hours 1-1/2 hours

Right arrow icon

Ingredients

  • Dough
  • 1/2 cup warm water (100? to 110F)
  • 1 (2-1/4 tsp.) envelope Fleischmann's® Active Dry Yeast
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup butter OR margarine, softened
  • 4 to 4-1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup dry milk powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons coconut extract
  • 1 egg
  • ** Filling **
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup chopped dried pineapple (about 6 ounces)
  • 1 cup chopped dried apricots (about 6 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon peel
  • Finish
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1 tablespoon Coarse sugar, optional

Directions

  1. Combine 1/2 cup warm water and yeast in a large mixer bowl; let stand 5 minutes to soften yeast. Heat 3/4 cup water and butter until warm (100° to 110°F). Add to yeast mixture along with 2 cups flour and remaining dough ingredients. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed. Gradually add remaining flour until dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7 to 9 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and place in a warm, draft-free place and let rise for 1 hour or until double.
  2. For filling, combine water, pineapple, apricots and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until liquid is almost evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon peel. Set aside to cool.
  3. Punch down dough; turn out onto lightly floured surface. Roll into a 10 x 15-inch rectangle. Place on greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Spread filling down center third of the rectangle. Cut 1-inch wide strips from outer edge to filling, on each side (using a sharp knife). Fold 1-inch of dough at each end over the filling, then continue crossing the strips alternately across filling to form braid. Whisk together egg white and water and brush over the top of loaf. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
  4. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30 minutes or until nearly double.
  5. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Loosely cover with foil if braid is getting too brown. Cool on a wire rack.

you may also like