This is one of my favorite recipes to make for Christmas. My children grew up having this sweet bread every year. Slathered with butter and served warm, it can’t be beat!
The loaves may be made in small, disposable pans and given as gifts. Who doesn’t love homemade bread?
Julekage (Swedish Christmas Bread)
- 2 c milk
- ¾ c sugar
- ¼ c butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- 1 envelope dry yeast
- ¼ c warm water
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 7-8 c flour
- 1 c mixed candied fruits
- 1 c raisins
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Scald milk. Stir in sugar, butter, salt, and cardamom. Cool to lukewarm.
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Dissolve yeast in warm water.
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Add yeast mixture, egg, and half of the flour into the milk mixture.
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Stir in raisins, candied fruit, and enough flour to make a stiff dough.
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Turn out onto a lightly floured board, cover, and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
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Knead till smooth. Place in greased bowl. Cover. Let rise till double.
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Divide in half and let rise for 10 minutes.
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Shape into ball and place in greased pan. Cover and let rise till double.
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Bake at 350°F till brown.
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Remove from pan and let cool.
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If desired, while hot, brush with honey and decorated with candied fruit. Or, when cool, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.
I hope you’ll try this recipe. Then tell me what you think. Maybe it will become one of your Christmas traditions as well.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Crow says
Sounds delicious!
B says
It is!