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Julekake – Cardamom Bread

Julekake - Cardamom Bread recipe image
Julekake is a traditional Norwegian Christmas bread that fills your kitchen with the warm, aromatic scent of ground cardamom and butter. This enriched dough creates a soft, tender crumb that is slightly sweet and incredibly comforting. Studded with plump light raisins and bright candied fruits, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It is perfect for festive morning coffee, holiday tea parties, or as a special treat during the winter season. While it requires some patience for rising, the result is a beautiful, golden-brown loaf that looks impressive on any table. This recipe yields two round loaves, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2
Calories: 3629.6
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
Julekake is a traditional Norwegian Christmas bread that fills your kitchen with the warm, aromatic scent of ground cardamom and butter. This enriched dough creates a soft, tender crumb that is slightly sweet and incredibly comforting. Studded with plump light raisins and bright candied fruits, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It is perfect for festive morning coffee, holiday tea parties, or as a special treat during the winter season. While it requires some patience for rising, the result is a beautiful, golden-brown loaf that looks impressive on any table. This recipe yields two round loaves, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 package Active dry yeast
  • 3/4 teaspoon Ground cardamom
  • 1 1/4 cup Milk
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 cup Candied fruits; optional
  • 1 cup Light raisins
  • 2 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
Directions
  1. 1
    In a large mixer bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, yeast, and ground cardamom.
  2. 2
    In a saucepan, heat milk, sugar, butter, and salt just until warm (115°F/46°C) and the butter is almost melted, stirring constantly.
  3. 3
    Add the heated milk mixture to the flour mixture; add 1 egg.
  4. 4
    Beat at low speed of an electric mixer for 1/2 minute.
  5. 5
    Beat at high speed for 3 minutes, scraping sides of bowl constantly.
  6. 6
    Stir in candied fruits (if using), raisins, and as much of the remaining 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour as you can mix in with a spoon.
  7. 7
    Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  8. 8
    Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes total.
  9. 9
    Shape dough into a ball.
  10. 10
    Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease surface.
  11. 11
    Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
  12. 12
    Punch dough down; divide dough in half.
  13. 13
    Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  14. 14
    Shape into 2 round loaves; place on greased baking sheets.
  15. 15
    Flatten each loaf slightly to a 6-inch diameter.
  16. 16
    Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, 45 to 60 minutes.
  17. 17
    Stir together 1 slightly beaten egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water, brush over loaves.
  18. 18
    Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 35 minutes or until done.
  19. 19
    Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 3629.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 62.8g97%
Saturated Fat 34.4g172%
Cholesterol 226.8mg76%
Sodium 1250.0mg53%
Total Carbohydrate 683.1g228%
Dietary Fiber 26.6g107%
Sugars 158.9g
Protein 83.0g166%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations: You can substitute the candied fruits with dried cranberries, orange peel, or chopped almonds for a different flavor profile.

Tip: Ensure the milk mixture is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time.

Keywords: cardamom, christmas, bread, scandinavian, norwegian, holiday, yeast, raisins, candied fruit, sweet bread, baking, winter, festive, traditional, enriched dough, butter, milk, spice, brunch, dessert
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/julekake-cardamom-bread/