Raspberry and Ginger Bread Wreath: A Sweet, Spicy Showstopper for Your Holiday Table

The holiday season is a time for sharing joy, love, and, of course, food. As families and friends gather around the table to celebrate, it’s the perfect opportunity to create memorable dishes that will leave everyone talking long after the last bite. This Raspberry and Ginger Bread Wreath is one such creation—an irresistible combination of tender, spiced dough, filled with a vibrant raspberry ginger jam that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Not only is this dessert visually stunning, but it’s also packed with a unique balance of flavors, from the warming spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to the fresh, tangy notes of the raspberry jam. The result is a treat that’s perfect for your next holiday gathering.

Print

This dessert is a showstopper, and despite its impressive appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull it off—just a little patience and attention to detail will result in a gorgeous and delicious centerpiece. The recipe requires some time to rise and bake, but the end result is worth every minute. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, providing detailed instructions, tips, and variations so you can make this wreath your own.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this Raspberry and Ginger Bread Wreath are simple and easy to find, but together they create a symphony of flavors that are perfect for the holiday season. Let’s break them down:

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup water, warmed
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) dried yeast
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 4 1/4 cups plain flour, sifted
• 1/3 cup caster sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
• 125g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 Tbsp milk, for brushing
• 30g crystallized ginger, finely chopped (plus extra for serving)
• Gold ribbon, to serve

For the Raspberry Ginger Jam Filling:

• 1 cup caster sugar
• 250g raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
• 40g unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, dried yeast, and honey. Stir the mixture to dissolve the yeast and honey, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture will become frothy and bubbly—this is the sign that the yeast is alive and active. If your mixture doesn’t foam, it may mean the yeast is old, and you should try using a fresh packet. The yeast is essential in making the dough rise, so this step is critical for ensuring your wreath is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough While the yeast is activating, combine the sifted flour, caster sugar, salt, lemon zest, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom in the bowl of a stand mixer. These spices will bring warmth and depth to the dough, making it a perfect match for the fruity, tangy raspberry filling. Add the activated yeast mixture and the lightly beaten eggs into the dry ingredients. Using the dough hook attachment, knead the dough on low speed for about 5 minutes, just enough to combine the ingredients.

Gradually pour in all but 1 teaspoon of the melted butter while continuing to knead the dough on low speed. You’ll notice the dough starting to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Once everything is incorporated, increase the speed to medium-low and knead for another 10–15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. This is the consistency you’re looking for—don’t rush it! Kneading is essential for developing the gluten in the dough, which will give it structure and make it light and airy once baked.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise Once the dough is fully kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a large greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 1/2 hours. The dough should double in size as it ferments. You’ll notice it becoming lighter and fluffier as the yeast continues to do its magic. Don’t skip this step, as allowing the dough to rise properly will ensure the texture of the wreath is soft and pillowy.

Step 4: Make the Jam While the dough is rising, it’s time to make the jam. In a medium saucepan, combine the caster sugar, raspberries, lemon juice, and freshly grated ginger. Stir the mixture over medium heat, allowing the raspberries to break down and the sugar to dissolve. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent burning.

After about 15–20 minutes, the mixture will thicken into a jam-like consistency. At this point, remove the pan from the heat and strain the jam through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. This will result in a smooth and glossy jam that will spread beautifully on the dough. Let the jam cool to room temperature before using it to fill the wreath.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Add the Jam Once the dough has finished rising, preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface into a 30cm x 60cm rectangle. Use a rolling pin to ensure an even thickness across the dough. Brush the dough with the remaining melted butter, ensuring every inch is covered, as this will give the wreath a rich, golden finish.

Spread half of the cooled raspberry ginger jam evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Be generous with the jam, but be careful not to overfill it, as this can make it difficult to roll the dough properly. Sprinkle the finely chopped crystallized ginger on top of the jam for an added burst of flavor and texture. The crystallized ginger provides a chewy, sweet-spicy contrast that complements the raspberry jam perfectly.

Step 6: Shape the Wreath Now comes the fun part—shaping the wreath! Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the longer sides. This will create a cylindrical shape with all the jam and ginger filling neatly tucked inside. Refrigerate the log for about 15 minutes to firm it up, which will make it easier to cut without losing the filling.

Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the log in half lengthways. This will reveal the beautiful swirl of raspberry jam inside. Be sure to make clean cuts without “sawing,” as this can drag the jam through the dough and cause it to become messy. After cutting, twist the two halves together, pressing the ends together to seal them. Shape the twisted dough into a wreath by forming it into a ring and tucking the ends underneath.

Step 7: Let the Wreath Rise Again Place the wreath onto the prepared baking tray, and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise for an additional 30 minutes in a warm spot, during which time the dough will become even lighter and fluffier. The wreath should puff up, forming a beautiful, airy ring. Once it has risen, it’s ready for baking.

Step 8: Bake the Wreath Once the wreath has risen, brush the dough with a little milk to give it a glossy, golden finish. Bake the wreath in the preheated oven for 10 minutes at 220°C. After that, reduce the temperature to 190°C (170°C fan-forced) and bake for another 18–20 minutes. The wreath should turn golden brown and emit a mouthwatering aroma of spices and freshly baked bread. When you take it out of the oven, the exterior will be crisp and golden, while the inside will remain soft and tender.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve Once baked, prepare a simple glaze by mixing 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of warm water. Brush this glaze over the hot wreath for a glossy, sweet finish. Let the wreath cool slightly before serving to ensure it holds its shape.

For an extra festive touch, decorate the wreath with a gold ribbon. Serve the wreath with the remaining raspberry ginger jam, fresh raspberries, and extra crystallized ginger for added flair. This will not only make the wreath even more delicious but also provide additional visual appeal.

The Flavor, Texture, and Aroma Experience

This Raspberry and Ginger Bread Wreath is a delightful treat for the senses. The dough itself is soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet, with just enough spice to complement the jam filling. As it bakes, the warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom—fill the kitchen with a comforting aroma, drawing everyone in for a taste. When you take a bite, the texture is soft and airy, with just the right amount of chewiness, while the raspberry ginger jam provides a beautiful balance of tartness and warmth. The crystallized ginger offers an unexpected crunch, adding a burst of flavor with each bite. Overall, it’s a delicious, satisfying dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.

Variations and Substitutions

While the Raspberry and Ginger Bread Wreath is wonderful as is, there are many ways you can personalize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Version: If you’re gluten intolerant, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the packaging for any necessary binding agents, as they may be required to ensure the dough holds together.
• Jam Variations: You can experiment with different types of fruit for the jam. If you’re not a fan of raspberries, consider using blackberries, blueberries, or even strawberries. The fresh ginger will work well with any of these fruit combinations.
• Dairy-Free Option: For those who are dairy-free, simply swap out the butter for a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. You can also use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in place of the regular milk.

Serving Suggestions

This wreath is a showstopper that’s perfect for any special occasion. It’s an ideal dessert for holiday dinners, brunches, or even a cozy afternoon tea. The combination of flavors and textures makes it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea or coffee. To elevate the experience, serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The wreath also pairs wonderfully with additional fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

The Raspberry and Ginger Bread Wreath is a perfect example of how a simple combination of ingredients can create something truly special. With its stunning appearance, warm spices, and vibrant jam filling, it’s the ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or savoring it on your own, this wreath will bring joy to your table and make lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating this festive treat. You’ll be delighted with the results—and so will everyone who gets to enjoy it!