Jule Kage
A festive Danish Christmas bread filled with candied cherries, offering a sweet, buttery flavor with a soft, fluffy texture perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald milk and remove from heat.
- Add butter, sugar, and salt; cool to lukewarm.
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and add to the mixture.
- Add eggs and 3 to 4 cups of flour; use a mixer if desired.
- Mix candied cherries with 1 cup of flour to coat.
- Gradually add remaining flour until the dough is no longer too stiff.
- Knead the dough well.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the loaves for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and brush the tops with butter.
- Remove from pans and while still warm, frost with confectioners' frosting.
- For better frosting, bring half-and-half cream to a boil before adding powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. If you don't have candied cherries, dried fruit or chocolate chips can be great substitutes. When mixing the dough, be careful not to add too much flour too quickly, as this can make the bread dense. Ensure your yeast is fresh for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Jule Kage can be served as a festive dessert or a sweet breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside Mary Alyce'S Fluffy Rice Pudding for a delightful brunch spread. Slices can be enjoyed plain or topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Jule Kage in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jule Kage contains roughly 2980 calories, with 47g protein, 450g carbohydrates, and 113g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (485% of the Daily Value), iron (195% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough fails to rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a too-cold environment. Ensure the yeast is fresh and activate it properly. If the kitchen is cold, place the dough in a warm area or a slightly warmed oven to encourage the rise.
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).