WALNUT CREAM BRAID

Walnut Cream Braid image

I've baked this pretty plaited bread each December for years, and it's become a tasty tradition family and friends look forward to. The nutty cheese filling is so good! -Jean Erickson, North Pole, Alaska

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 2 loaves.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 to 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
Confectioners' sugar, optional

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add butter, sugar, salt, egg and 1-1/2 cups flour; beat on low for 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar; set aside. , Punch dough down; divide in half. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 12x8-in. rectangle and place on greased baking sheets. Spread half of the filling down the center third of each rectangle. Sprinkle with walnuts. , On each long side, cut 1-in.-wide strips about 2-1/2 in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Seal ends. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. , Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until browned. Cool on wire racks. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Store for refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 74 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 47mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.