Breads

Three Kings Bread

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photo by:kraft

This easy-to-make holiday bread is more delicious than store-bought bread.

time

prep:

30 min

total:

3 hr 15 min

servings

total:

12 servings

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What You Need

pkt. (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast

1/4

cup warm water

1/4

cup granulated sugar, divided

Tbsp. butter, divided

Tbsp. whole milk, divided

cups plus 1 Tbsp. flour, divided

1/4

tsp. salt

eggs, divided

oz. BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, cut into 4 pieces

oz. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, divided

1-1/4

cups powdered sugar, divided

1/3

cup ground PLANTERS Slivered Almonds

Tbsp. chopped dried mixed fruit

Make It

MIX yeast, water and 1 tsp. granulated sugar in small bowl. Place 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) butter in large bowl. Warm 1/4 cup milk. Add to butter in bowl; stir until melted. Add 1-1/2 cups flour, remaining granulated sugar, salt, 2 eggs and yeast mixture; beat on low speed until blended. Gradually beat in 1-1/2 cups of the remaining flour 2 to 3 min. or until mixture forms soft dough.

KNEAD dough on lightly floured surface 5 min. Let rest 10 min. Roll out to 20x6-inch rectangle. Place chocolate pieces, about 3 inches apart, down center of dough rectangle; fold dough lengthwise in half. Roll into 20-inch log; bring ends together to form ring. Place on parchment-covered baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm place 2 hours or until doubled in size.

MEANWHILE, mix remaining butter, flour, 2 oz. cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and nuts until blended. Divide into 5 pieces; roll each into 1-inch log. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use.

HEAT oven to 350°F. Beat remaining egg; brush over dough. Top dough with nut logs; press gently into dough to secure.

BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until golden brown. Cool 10 min. Meanwhile, mix remaining cream cheese, milk and powdered sugar until blended.

TRANSFER bread to wire rack. Drizzle with glaze; top with fruit.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Size-Wise

You can fit your favorite foods into a balanced diet but remember to keep tabs on portions.

Cooking Know-How

Use plastic wrap to cover the dough as it rises. The plastic wrap forms a tight seal which helps keep the dough moist.

Food Facts

Three Kings Bread is a Mexican tradition that brings the family together for an after-dinner treat on January 6th of every year. Three Kings Bread is typically served with hot chocolate which links the Indians and the Spanish. Kings Bread was originally characterized for its circlular shape but as more guests were invited for the gathering, it started to attain a larger oval shape. The tradition is that whomever finds the inside treat, which is usually a porcelain baby, would automatically be the Godfather or Godmother of the baby. Therefore, he or she has obligations, such as bringing the baby back to the host's house on February 2nd along with a traditional dish.