A ring-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruit celebrates Three Kings Day on January 6th. This beloved family tradition is a festive, sweet centerpiece of the Epiphany celebration.
Warm the milk until just lukewarm (never hot), sprinkle in the yeast and a pinch of sugar, and allow to bloom for 8 minutes until bubbly.
In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and orange zest. Add the bloomed yeast mixture, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and softened butter. Combine until dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If sticky, knead in a small amount of flour slowly.
Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1.5 hours).
Punch down the dough and carefully shape it into a ring, sealing the ends and creating a smooth torus. Line a baking sheet with parchment, place the ring, and cover lightly. Allow a second rise for 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. While oven heats, brush dough lightly with egg yolk. Decorate the top evenly with candied fruit slices, pressing gently so they adhere.
Bake on the center rack for 28-33 minutes, rotating halfway for even browning, until golden and cooked through. Cool on a rack before slicing and serving.