Christmas morning crown

Step 1

Grease a baking tray and dust with flour. Sift flour into a large bowl, add yeast and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Rub in 40g butter to form coarse crumbs. Mix in milk and egg to form a dough. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.

Step 2

Meanwhile, beat remaining butter and sugar with a wooden spoon until combined. Add nuts, spice, peel, sultanas and cherries and stir to combine.

Step 3

Punch down dough to expel air, knead briefly, then roll out on a floured surface to form a 30cm x 23cm rectangle. Spread fruit mixture over dough, leaving a 2cm border on the long sides. Roll up from one long side, then cut into 9 equal pieces. Place slices, cut-side up, on the floured tray so it forms a circle with the slices just touching. Cover with a clean towel and leave in a warm place for 1 hour or until slightly risen. (Once risen, you can cover the crown and chill overnight, then bring back to room temperature before baking.)

Step 4

Preheat oven to 180°C. Bake crown for 20 minutes until golden. Cool slightly. Mix icing sugar with enough lemon juice to make a soft icing, then drizzle over crown. Serve warm or at room temperature.