Jule Kage(Norwegian Christmas Bread)
A rich Norwegian Christmas bread filled with dried fruits, candied cherries, and aromatic spices, perfect for festive celebrations and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yeast with lukewarm water in a large mixing bowl.
- Add milk, beaten eggs, and some flour; beat well to combine.
- Add the rest of the ingredients including sugar, salt, cardamom, dried and candied fruits, and as much flour as needed to form a soft, manageable dough.
- Knead the dough well and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, knead again, and let it rise until doubled.
- Shape the dough into loaves or place in cake pans and let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for approximately 45 minutes.
- Frost and decorate as desired, adding nuts and candied cherries if preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you can't find ground cardamom, ground cinnamon can work as a substitute, although it will change the flavor profile slightly. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise, and don't rush the rising process; a slow rise leads to better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Jule Kage is delightful served warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. Consider serving it alongside Portuguese Sweet Bread for a festive brunch or holiday gathering, complementing the flavors of both breads.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Jule Kage tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jule Kage(Norwegian Christmas Bread) contains roughly 1972 calories, with 40g protein, 310g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), iron (87% of the Daily Value), and protein (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2320mg per serving (101% 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 use fresh yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for active dry yeast. Use about three times the amount of fresh yeast compared to dry. Just make sure to dissolve it in warm water before adding to your mixture to activate it properly.
What can I use if I don't have candied fruit mix?
If you don't have candied fruit mix, you can substitute with an equal amount of chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs. Alternatively, a mix of chopped nuts and dried cranberries can also add a delightful sweetness and texture.
Is it necessary to frost the Jule Kage?
Frosting is optional for Jule Kage. If you choose to frost, a simple 7 Minute Frosting - Never Fail works wonderfully. However, it is delicious on its own, so feel free to enjoy it plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
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).