Norwegian Christmas Bread
A traditional Norwegian Christmas bread packed with raisins, mixed fruit, and warm spices, perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs.
- Sift cardamom, flour, and baking powder together, saving a small amount to mix with raisins and fruit.
- Add the flour mixture and milk alternately to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Mix raisins and mixed fruit with the reserved flour, then fold into the batter.
- Pour the batter into one large loaf pan or divide between two small loaf pans.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your baking powder is fresh and sift the flour well. If you don’t have shortening, butter or coconut oil can be used instead, though it may slightly alter the flavor. For a twist, consider adding chopped nuts or using different dried fruits. This recipe can also be made gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this festive bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, and can be enjoyed with butter or cream cheese for added richness. For a complete holiday spread, consider serving it alongside Quick Vegetable Salad or French Onion Soup - Dannenberg Style.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Norwegian Christmas Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norwegian Christmas Bread contains roughly 679 calories, with 7g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this bread a day or two in advance. Once cooled, store it as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste. Just remember to reheat it slightly before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze the Norwegian Christmas Bread?
You can also freeze individual slices for easy snacking.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, you can substitute them with chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Just ensure any substitute is chopped into similar sizes for even distribution in the batter.
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).