Christmas Bread(Julekake)
A traditional Scandinavian Christmas bread featuring raisins, mixed fruit, and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations with its rich, flavorful profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar, then dissolve the yeast in it. Add 1 cup of flour and stir well. Let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Heat the other cup of milk to lukewarm, then add salt, sugar, beaten eggs, and ground cardamom.
- Add melted butter to the mixture.
- Mix in 5 to 6 cups of flour, working it in. Add fruit and raisins before the last cup of flour.
- Knead the dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into round loaves or a braided ring.
- Place in greased pans and let rise until less than doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or substituting half of the butter with sour cream. If you prefer dried fruits, apricots or cranberries work well instead of raisins and mixed fruit. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. Knead the dough until smooth for an ideal texture, and let it rise in a warm place to speed up the fermentation process.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Christmas Bread and serve it warm with butter or cream cheese for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Fresh Strawberry Soup for a festive brunch. You can also enjoy it alongside coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a decorative touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Christmas Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Bread(Julekake) contains roughly 1758 calories, with 31g protein, 281g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), iron (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, shape it, and allow it to rise before baking.
What can I use instead of cardamom?
If you don't have ground cardamom, you can substitute with an equal amount of ground cinnamon or a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg for a different flavor profile. However, cardamom adds a unique spice that is characteristic of traditional Christmas Bread.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to mimic the elasticity of gluten. Keep an eye on the dough's consistency, as gluten-free flour may require slight adjustments in liquid.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).