I love making fancy recipes for Christmas and since my passion is baking, I knew I needed to make a sweet version of the classic pull-apart tree. This is prefect for a delicious Christmas breakfast along with a Peppermint Hot Chocolate or Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need 4 ingredients for this recipe:
Dairy-Free Yogurt – Coconut yogurt or any full-fat plant-based yogurt works well to keep the dough fluffy and moist. If you prefer dairy, Greek yogurt is also a good option. Sugar – Sweetens the dough slightly, but feel free to adjust according to taste. Maple syrup can be used as a natural alternative, though it will slightly change the dough’s texture. Self-Rising Flour – Provides structure and lift. If you don’t have self-rising flour, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder. Raspberries – Adds a fresh, fruity burst to each bun. Frozen raspberries work just as well and don’t need to be thawed, as they hold their shape better. Feel free to experiment with other berries, such as blueberries or blackberries, but avoid larger fruits like strawberries, which can release too much juice.
How to Make Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread
To make it easier to whip up this recipe, I’ve included below photos of key steps.
Carine’s Baking Tips
Here are a few more tips to make the best Christmas tree.
Ensure the right dough consistency – Start with the recommended amount of flour, and if the dough is too sticky, add a bit more, one tablespoon at a time. The dough should be soft and smooth, not sticking to your hands. Use lightly floured hands for shaping – The dough balls are easier to shape when your hands are dusted with a little flour, especially if using fresh raspberries. Arrange the dough balls carefully – For a beautiful Christmas tree shape, start at the bottom of the tree with more dough balls and taper as you work your way up. Brush with maple syrup after baking – This adds a beautiful, shiny glaze that brings out the holiday feel, and the light sweetness complements the berries. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving – For a “snowy” look, tilt the baking sheet so only the tops of the buns get coated, giving a frosted effect.
Serving Suggestions
This pull-apart Christmas tree bread is perfect for a festive breakfast or dessert. Serve warm with extra berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added holiday flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes to bring back the fresh-baked texture.
Make Ahead
Prepare the dough the day before and store it in a lightly oiled bowl, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Bring it to room temperature for 2 hours before assembling and baking.
More Christmas Breakfast Recipes
If you like this recipe, you’ll want to try some of my other Christmas recipes for breakfast.
