Yulekake Norwegian Christmas Bread
Celebrate the holiday season with Yulekake, a traditional Norwegian Christmas bread that’s as aromatic as it is delicious. Infused with warm cardamom spice and studded with plump raisins and candied citron, this soft, slightly sweet bread is perfect for festive gatherings. Its tender, buttery crumb is achieved through a combination of milk, butter, and a touch of sugar, while the optional powdered sugar glaze adds a hint of indulgence. Whether served warm with a generous spread of butter or alongside a slice of cheese, Yulekake makes a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table. Simple to make yet full of old-world charm, this Norwegian classic will fill your home with the irresistible aromas of Christmas. Perfect for gifting, brunch spreads, or simply savoring with a cup of coffee, Yulekake is a must-try for holiday baking!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 240 ml Whole milk
- 85 g Unsalted butter
- 100 g Granulated sugar
- 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast
- 60 ml Warm water
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Ground cardamom
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 Large egg
- 120 g Raisins
- 60 g Candied citron or mixed peel
- 100 g Powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- 2 tbsp Milk (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it reaches about 43°C (110°F). Remove from heat, add the butter, and let it melt. Stir the sugar into the milk mixture and set aside to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (43°C/110°F). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground cardamom, and salt. Mix well.
Once the milk mixture is lukewarm and the yeast mixture is frothy, pour both into the bowl of dry ingredients. Add the egg and mix until a dough starts to form.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, this can be done using a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
Gently knead the raisins and candied citron (or mixed peel) into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf onto the prepared baking sheet, cover it lightly, and let it rise again for about 30-40 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the baking process.
Optional: For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and serve with butter or cheese for a festive treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
413 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.9 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 220 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.0 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.2 g | ||
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 55 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 201 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
