Julekake, or Norwegian Christmas bread, is a traditional holiday treat that is enjoyed by many families in Norway and around the world. This sweet, spiced bread is usually made with a variety of dried fruits and nuts, making it a delicious and festive addition to any holiday spread. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and cultural significance of julekake, as well as provide you with a professional and well-organized recipe to make your own at home.
Julekake is a traditional Norwegian Christmas bread that is typically served during the holiday season. This sweet and flavorful bread is packed with warm spices and raisins, making it the perfect treat to enjoy on a cold winter day. In this article, we will share 20 delicious recipes for Julekake that will elevate your holiday baking game.
Originating from Norway, Julekake is a staple in many Scandinavian households during Christmas. The name translates to "Christmas cake" and is traditionally made with yeast, giving it a light and airy texture. It is often served sliced and topped with butter or a sweet glaze, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
One of the great things about Julekake is that there are so many variations of the recipe. Some include dried fruit and nuts, while others have a hint of cardamom or cinnamon. No matter the recipe, they all have one thing in common – they are absolutely delicious.
If you've never tried Julekake before, now is the perfect time to give it a go. With these 20 mouth-watering recipes, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are easy to follow and will result in a tasty and festive treat that your whole family will love.
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Julekake (Norwegian Christmas Bread with Raisins and...
Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Cardamom Seeds, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar
This classic recipe for Julekake features a generous amount of raisins and candied peel, giving it a burst of flavor in every bite. The dough is also infused with a touch of cardamom, which adds a warm and slightly spicy note to the bread. Top it off with a sweet glaze for a truly indulgent treat.
If you're a fan of traditional Christmas fruitcake, then you'll love this Julekake recipe. It combines the best of both worlds with a rich, dense bread filled with dried fruit, nuts, and warm spices. It's perfect for those who prefer a heartier and more filling bread.
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Norwegian Christmas Bread (Julekake)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Bread Flour, Sugar
This recipe stays true to its Norwegian roots, with a simple but delicious dough made with yeast, eggs, and butter. It's then flavored with cardamom and orange zest, giving it a bright and citrusy flavor. The dough is shaped into a wreath and can be topped with pearl sugar or almonds for an extra festive touch.
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Julekake or Julekaga – Norwegian Christmas Bread (Egg...
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Cardamom, Milk, Water
This Julekake recipe is perfect for those who are short on time or prefer a simpler version of the bread. It uses a mix of bread flour and all-purpose flour, making the dough easier to handle. It also includes dried cranberries and candied ginger, which add a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
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Julekake or Julekage – Norwegian Christmas Bread...
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Cardamom, Butter
For a vegan and dairy-free version of Julekake, this recipe is a must-try. Instead of using butter and eggs, it uses coconut oil and almond milk to create a soft and fluffy bread. The dough is also filled with raisins, dried apricots, and almonds, giving it a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
This recipe takes a slightly different approach to Julekake by using a bread machine to make the dough. It's a great option for those who want to save some time and effort in the kitchen. The bread is flavored with cardamom, vanilla, and almond extract, making it a delicious and aromatic treat.
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Julebrød; a “must bake” Norwegian Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Almond Milk, Dry Yeast, Sugar, Ground Cardamom
Another variation of Julekake that is popular in Norway is Julebrød, which translates to "Christmas bread." This bread is usually shaped into a loaf and has a slightly denser texture than traditional Julekake. It's also filled with dried fruit, almonds, and spices, making it a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
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Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Large Eggs, Flour, Baking
This recipe for Christmas bread is a great option for those who want to make a larger batch to share with family and friends. It uses a mix of dried fruit, including raisins, cranberries, and apricots, and is flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. The bread is also topped with a sweet glaze, making it a true holiday treat.
If you're looking for a twist on traditional Julekake, this recipe for Italian Christmas Bread Panettone is a must-try. This sweet bread is filled with candied citrus peel, raisins, and almonds, giving it a burst of flavor in every bite. It's also topped with a rum glaze, making it a festive and indulgent treat.
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CHRISTMAS TREE PULL APART BREAD | HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS...
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour
This recipe for Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is perfect for those who want to add a fun and festive twist to their Julekake. The dough is rolled into small balls and shaped into a Christmas tree, making it a great centerpiece for any holiday gathering. It's also flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it that classic Christmas taste.
If you have any leftover Julekake, this recipe for Christmas Bread Pudding is a great way to use it up. The bread is mixed with eggs, milk, and warm spices before being baked into a delicious and comforting dessert. It's perfect for those cold winter nights when you want something sweet and satisfying.
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Romanian Easter & Christmas Bread Cozonac
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Butter, Bread Flour, Active Dry
This recipe for Cozonac is a traditional Romanian Easter and Christmas bread that is similar to Julekake. It is flavored with lemon zest, vanilla, and rum, giving it a unique and delicious taste. It's also filled with chopped walnuts and raisins, making it a hearty and satisfying bread.
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Cranberry Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Butter, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Whole Wheat Pastry
Cranberries are a classic holiday ingredient, and this recipe for Cranberry Christmas Bread is the perfect way to incorporate them into your Julekake. The bread is filled with dried cranberries, almonds, and orange zest, giving it a festive and zesty flavor. It's also topped with a sweet glaze, making it a truly indulgent treat.
This Italian Christmas Bread is a great alternative to traditional Julekake for those who want a lighter and fluffier bread. It is made with a rich and buttery dough that is studded with dried fruit, almonds, and chocolate chips. It's perfect for those who have a sweet tooth.
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Viennese Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Dried Cranberries, Rum, Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast
This Viennese Christmas Bread is a decadent and indulgent treat that is perfect for the holiday season. It's made with a rich and buttery dough that is filled with dried fruit, almonds, and chocolate chunks. The bread is then topped with a sweet glaze, making it a truly irresistible dessert.
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Instant Yeast, Butter, Sugar, Milk
For those who prefer an eggless version of Julekake, this recipe is a great option. The dough is made with milk, butter, and warm spices, and is then filled with dried fruit, nuts, and candied peel. It's also topped with a sweet glaze, making it a delicious and festive treat for everyone to enjoy.
Julekake, also known as Norwegian Christmas bread, is a traditional holiday treat enjoyed by many in Norway and around the world. This sweet and fragrant bread is filled with warm spices and raisins, making it the perfect addition to any festive table.
The origins of Julekake can be traced back to the medieval times in Norway. It was originally a type of bread that was reserved for special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. Over time, it evolved into the sweet and rich bread that we know and love today.
Julekake is made with a simple but delicious combination of flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and raisins. The key to a perfect Julekake is using quality ingredients and allowing enough time for the dough to rise and develop its flavors.
Making Julekake may seem intimidating, but the process is actually quite simple. The dough is mixed together and left to rise until it doubles in size. Then, it is shaped into a traditional wreath or loaf and baked until golden brown and fragrant.
While the classic Julekake recipe calls for raisins, there are many variations that you can try. Some people prefer to add other dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, while others like to add nuts or spices like cardamom or cinnamon for an extra kick of flavor.
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Julekake (Norwegian Christmas Bread with Raisins and...
Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Cardamom Seeds, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar
In Norway, it is common to give Julekake as a gift during the holiday season. It is often beautifully wrapped and given as a hostess gift or to friends and family. This tradition has now spread to other countries, making Julekake a popular gift all around the world.
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Norwegian Christmas Bread (Julekake)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Bread Flour, Sugar
Julekake is often served as a dessert during Christmas dinner. It can be sliced and served with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoyed on its own as a sweet and satisfying end to a festive meal.
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Julekake or Julekaga – Norwegian Christmas Bread (Egg...
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Cardamom, Milk, Water
Julekake is also a popular breakfast treat during the holiday season. It can be toasted and topped with butter and jam or used to make French toast for a decadent and festive breakfast.
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Julekake or Julekage – Norwegian Christmas Bread...
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Cardamom, Butter
In Norway, it is traditional to hide a blanched almond inside the Julekake. Whoever finds the almond is said to have good luck for the upcoming year. This tradition has also spread to other countries, making it a fun and exciting part of enjoying Julekake.
For a traditional Julekake experience, try making this recipe for Norwegian Christmas bread. It is filled with warm spices and raisins and will fill your home with the delicious scent of the holidays.
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Julebrød; a “must bake” Norwegian Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Almond Milk, Dry Yeast, Sugar, Ground Cardamom
This version of Julekake is a twist on the traditional recipe, with the addition of eggs in the dough. This gives the bread a richer and more tender texture, making it perfect for a special holiday treat.
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Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Large Eggs, Flour, Baking
This variation of Julekake is filled with almonds and raisins, giving it a delicious and nutty flavor. It is perfect for those who want to add a little extra crunch and sweetness to their Julekake.
Julebrød, or Christmas bread, is another name for Julekake. It is a staple in many Norwegian households during the holiday season and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
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CHRISTMAS TREE PULL APART BREAD | HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS...
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour
While Julekake is a traditional Norwegian bread, many other countries also have their own version of Christmas bread. Some examples include panettone from Italy, stollen from Germany, and brioche from France.
If you want to try a different type of Christmas bread, this recipe for panettone is a great choice. It is a sweet and fluffy bread filled with candied fruits and is a popular holiday dessert in Italy.
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Romanian Easter & Christmas Bread Cozonac
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Butter, Bread Flour, Active Dry
For a fun and festive twist on Christmas bread, try making this Christmas tree pull apart bread. It is filled with cheese and herbs and is the perfect appetizer for your holiday party.
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Viennese Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Dried Cranberries, Rum, Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast
Don't let any leftover Julekake go to waste! Use it to make this indulgent Christmas bread pudding. It is a delicious and comforting dessert that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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A Christmas bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Vanilla
Cozonac is a traditional Romanian bread that is typically enjoyed during Easter and Christmas. It is a sweet bread filled with nuts and raisins and is a beloved holiday treat in many Eastern European countries.
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Provencal Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Granulated Sugar, Honey, Flour, Salt
This Viennese Christmas bread, also known as Christstollen, is a famous holiday treat in Austria and Germany. It is a rich and buttery bread filled with marzipan and dried fruits and is often enjoyed with a cup of warm mulled wine.
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Cranberry Christmas Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Butter, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Whole Wheat Pastry
No matter where you are in the world, chances are there is a version of Christmas bread that is loved and enjoyed by many during the holiday season. Whether you prefer the traditional Norwegian Julekake or want to try something new, Christmas bread is a delicious and festive way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
The History of Julekake
Julekake has been a staple in Norwegian Christmas celebrations for centuries. The word "julekake" translates to "Christmas cake" and it is believed that the tradition of making this bread started in the 1700s. At that time, julekake was considered a luxury item and was only made for special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. Over time, as ingredients became more accessible, julekake became a more common holiday treat for families to enjoy.
The Cultural Significance
In Norway, julekake is more than just a tasty holiday treat. It holds a deep cultural significance and is a symbol of tradition and togetherness. Families often gather to make julekake together, passing down recipes and techniques from generation to generation. This bread is also an important part of the Norwegian Christmas Eve dinner, where it is typically served alongside other holiday dishes such as lutefisk and ribbe (pork ribs).
The Recipe
Now that you know a bit more about the history and cultural significance of julekake, it's time to try making it yourself! Here is a professional and well-organized recipe for this delicious Norwegian Christmas bread:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6-7 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm, but not boiling.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the yeast and stir until it dissolves.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually add in the warm milk and 4 cups of flour, mixing until well combined.
6. Stir in the raisins, cranberries, and almonds.
7. Slowly add in the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough becomes soft and slightly sticky.
8. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
9. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
10. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and shape it into a large round loaf.
11. Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
12. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Bake the julekake for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top.
14. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
In conclusion, julekake is a delicious and meaningful Christmas tradition in Norway. By making your own julekake at home, you can not only enjoy a tasty treat but also be a part of this rich culture and heritage. So gather your loved ones and start baking this festive bread for a truly authentic holiday experience.
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