Julekake(Christmas Bread)
Julekake is a traditional Scandinavian Christmas bread with rich flavors of spices, candied fruit, and raisins, perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Mix milk and butter in a bowl. When lukewarm, add beaten egg, yeast, sugar, salt, and cardamom.
- Add 2 cups of flour and mix well.
- Gradually add remaining flour, saving some for kneading.
- Knead on a floured board until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl.
- Cover and let rise until double in bulk.
- Punch down and divide in half.
- Form into two round loaves and place on greased pans.
- Cover and let rise until double.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Ice with powdered sugar while warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of scalded milk. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add a bit more sugar or incorporate dried fruits like cranberries. If you don't have cardamom, cinnamon can be a suitable substitute. Make sure to knead the dough well for a light texture, and let it rise in a warm place for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Julekake warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top, perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a festive tea time treat. It pairs beautifully with Carolyn'S Fruit Dip for added flavor. Enjoy it sliced with butter or cream cheese, or alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a delightful experience.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store Julekake 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 overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Julekake(Christmas Bread) contains roughly 1070 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% 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 a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for Julekake. Simply add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine, and select the dough cycle. Once complete, shape and bake the loaves as directed for a hassle-free method.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, shape it, and allow it to rise before baking. This can enhance the flavors and make it more convenient for holiday gatherings.
What can I substitute for candied cherries and citron?
If you don’t have candied cherries or citron, you can use chopped dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or even a mix of dried cranberries and raisins. This will still provide a lovely sweetness and texture to your Julekake.
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).