Grandma's Christmas Bread

This Christmas Bread recipe has been adjusted from my grandma's version.  It is a very tasty bread that has become a holiday tradition in my family.  It makes two 9x13 pans of bread and serves many! 

Grandma's Christmas Bread

3 Cups warm water

2 Sticks Vegan butter or margarine, softened

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 Cups sugar

2 Packages yeast (I used active dry, but I am sure rapid rise would work great)

2 teaspoons vanilla

8 1/2 Cups flour

Streusel Topping

1 Cup flour

1 Cup sugar

1 Stick Vegan butter/margarine, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

Put all ingredients, except flour, in mixer and mix well until combined.  Then, add flour 2 cups at a time and mix well with dough hook on mixer.  Batter will be soft at this time.  Cover and let rise in warm place for 1-2 hours.  After first rise, knead by hand and place in 2 greased 9x13 pans.  Cover pans and let rise again in warm place for 1-2 hours.  Note: rising times may vary depending on yeast used.

To make streusel topping:  mix all streusel ingredients together using fork until combined and crumbly.  After second rise, divide and sprinkle on pans of bread.  Sprinkle colored sugar on top for decoration.  Bake in 325 degree oven for approximately 35 minutes.