Description of this recipe
Air Fryer Stollen Bites are delightful mini versions of the traditional German stollen, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings. These bites are filled with a mixture of dried fruits and marzipan, enveloped in a rich and buttery dough. The air fryer gives them a beautifully golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist, making them an irresistible treat.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe is not only simple and quick, but it also allows you to enjoy the festive flavors of stollen without the long baking times typically associated with traditional recipes. The air fryer ensures that these stollen bites are perfectly cooked, with a tender crumb and a delightful crunch on the outside. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them an ideal addition to any holiday spread.
Introduction
Stollen is a classic German fruit bread that is traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. With its rich history and comforting flavors, it has become a beloved treat in many cultures. However, making a full-sized stollen can be time-consuming and requires a significant amount of space in the oven. Enter the air fryer—a modern kitchen appliance that allows you to create delicious baked goods in a fraction of the time.
In this recipe, we’ll transform the traditional stollen into bite-sized pieces that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The combination of spices, fruits, and marzipan creates a festive flavor profile that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these Air Fryer Stollen Bites are a must-try!
Ingredients:
- 150ml whole milk
- 65g unsalted butter, plus extra for the tin
- 300g strong white flour
- 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
- 50g caster sugar
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 125g raisins
- 50g sultanas
- 75g mixed peel
- Neutral oil, such as sunflower
- 4 tbsp icing sugar, for dusting
- 200g marzipan
Preparation:
Step 1:
Begin by warming the whole milk and 50g of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts. Alternatively, you can achieve this in the microwave. Once melted, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white flour, fast-action dried yeast, caster sugar, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and fine salt. Mix well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 3:
Pour the cooled buttery milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture begins to come together into a dough. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough will be quite firm, so you shouldn’t need to add any extra flour.
Step 4:
Once kneaded, sprinkle the raisins, sultanas, and mixed peel over the dough. Knead again to incorporate the dried fruits thoroughly. Lightly oil the mixing bowl and return the dough to it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm area to prove for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5:
While the dough is proving, butter and line a 20 x 20cm cake tin with baking parchment, or use a silicone liner suitable for the air fryer basket. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air and divide it into two equal pieces. Stretch each piece into a 20cm square. Place one square in the base of the prepared tin, pressing it out to the corners with your fingertips. On a surface lightly dusted with icing sugar, roll the marzipan out to the same size as the dough and lay it on top. Cover with the second dough square, then loosely cover and let it prove again for another hour.
Cooking:
Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Once heated, place the stollen in the air fryer basket and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on the top and base. After baking, leave the stollen to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before lifting it out onto a wire rack.
Finally, melt the remaining 15g of butter and brush it over the warm stollen. Dust generously with icing sugar before allowing it to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
COOKING Rating: 4.5/5
Serving Suggestions:
These Air Fryer Stollen Bites are best served with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed as a festive dessert or a sweet snack throughout the day. Consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy for a few hours before adding them to the dough.
- If you prefer a sweeter stollen, increase the amount of caster sugar to 75g.
- Ensure that your air fryer is preheated for even cooking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including proving time)
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
Air Fryer Stollen Bites are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. They are quick to prepare, easy to share, and bursting with festive flavors. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or simply to enjoy at home, these stollen bites are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With their tender texture and delicious filling, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use a different type of flour?
While strong white flour gives the best texture, you can experiment with all-purpose flour. Just note that the texture may vary slightly. - How can I store leftover stollen bites?
Store the stollen bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage. - Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped almonds or walnuts can add a nice crunch and additional flavor to your stollen bites. - What can I substitute for marzipan?
If you’re not a fan of marzipan, you can use a sweet almond paste or simply omit it altogether for a fruit-forward flavor. - Is it possible to make these stollen bites vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk instead of whole milk to create a vegan version of this recipe.