St. Martin Luther Bread

History

St. Martin Luther’s Day on February 18th has been celebrated by the Church since the Reformer’s death in 1546. Due to his popularity and the quick spread of his teaching throughout the world, numerous ways developed in which Christians chose to celebrate his day and to commemorate this influential figure.

If you’re looking for ideas, you could certainly glean some inspiration from any of the tips and tricks that we provided in our Reformation tradition post, such as picking up a Lutheran reading, watching the Luther movie, or partaking in a Reformation-era hymn sing!

However, you could also go down a more culinary route—making some sort of cookie or cake adorned with the symbols of Lutheranism. There are plenty of ideas along these lines that were created in the wake of the 500th celebration of the Reformation in 2017! You could also serve a medieval meal with foods such as grilled sausages, smoked pork chops, roast pork or chicken, cabbage, and bacon dumplings. A cheekier version of this meal can be found here, with foods that are inspired by Luther’s writings.

Yet even with these suggestions, you still might be excited to find out that there is actually a well known and historically appropriate pastry that you can make in honor of St. Martin Luther. This baked good came from his very own household and is a treat that he is said to have enjoyed!

Luther Bread

Lutherbrodt, also known as Luther Bread or Reformationbrötchen (Reformation Bread), has a storied culinary history within German culture. Purportedly invented by Luther’s wife, Katharina von Bora, this recipe is a typical German sweet bread that includes the most delicious fillings to round out its texture and flavor!

Often served on Reformation Day, this recipe can easily be used on the saint’s February 18th day. If you decide that you really like it, you could even serve it thrice throughout the year when you celebrate him, Reformation Day, and his wife’s saint day, which falls on December 20th.

All in all, the roll is supposed to look like a Luther Rose with its red jammy middle, dusting of white powdered sugar, and citrus peel garnish. Raisins and almonds give them a German and medieval taste while the milk and yeast dough gives it levity and airiness. Pair this sweet dessert with the most “Luther” of all beverages—beer!—and you’ll be sure to feel full and happy!

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk

1 packet of yeast

4 tablespoons butter

¼ cup sugar

1 egg

3 – 3 ½ cups flour

½ cup raisins

⅓ cup chopped almonds

12 tablespoons red jam of choice

1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest

Powdered sugar for dusting, optional

Instructions

1. Mix together the yeast and the slightly warmed milk in a small bowl, setting aside for a few minutes.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together. Then beat in the egg and add the milk mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. Add the raisins and almonds.
3. Knead the dough until smooth, coat with a bit of oil, cover with a towel, and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle and cut into 12 even-sized squares. Roll the individual squares flat again.
5. Fold the corners of each square into the center, pressing down gently. Put the squares on lined baking sheets. Place 1 tablespoon of jam in the center of each roll.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let the rolls cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired, and the lemon or orange zest.