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Julekake
Julekake, a traditional Norwegian Christmas bread, is enriched with eggs, butter, milk, and cardamom, then studded with dried or candied fruits. The name "Julekake" translates to “Yule Cake,” and it’s typically enjoyed during the holiday season with butter or cheese. Its sweet, aromatic crumb and vibrant fruit pieces make it both a festive centerpiece and a comforting everyday treat in Scandinavian households. This version, from Ralph and Dorothy’s kitchen, is a classic, no-frills take on the beloved bread.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Scandinavian
Servings 32
Calories 243 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • ½ lb butter (melted, equivalent to 2 sticks)
  • 1 lb mixed fruit (candied or dried fruit mix)
  • 6 cups flour
  • 5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add milk, cardamom, and melted butter. Mix well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Make Dough

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  • Fold in the mixed fruit.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

  • Grease two standard loaf pans.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the pans.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake at 325°F for about 1¼ hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Tips

  • Add a handful of raisins or candied citrus peel for a brighter fruit flavor.
  • Replace part of the milk with buttermilk for a tender crumb.
  • Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for more texture.
  • Glaze the warm loaves with a simple powdered sugar icing for a festive finish.
  • For a more traditional Scandinavian flavor, increase the cardamom slightly.
  • Let the fruit soak in warm water, rum, or orange juice before mixing to keep it moist.
  • Bake in smaller pans to create mini gift loaves.
  • Toast leftover slices and serve with butter or jam.
  • Freeze fully cooled loaves for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3.5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.8gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 0.6mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword cardamom loaf, festive bread, fruit bread, heirloom baking, holiday bread, Scandinavian Christmas, vintage recipe
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