Scandinavian Fruit Bread (Julekage) Recipe 🍞
Description: Dive into the Scandinavian culinary tradition with this delightful fruit bread known as Julekage. Perfect for toasting, it’s a treat that brings warmth and sweetness to your breakfast or snack time. Originally sourced from Recipegoldmine.com, this recipe promises a burst of flavors and a comforting aroma.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 Loaf
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dry yeast |
| 1/4 | Warm water |
| 3/4 | Milk |
| 1/4 | Sugar |
| 1/2 | Salt |
| 1/2 | Ground cardamom |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1/4 | Shortening |
| 1/4 | Raisins |
| 1/3 | Citron |
| 3 1/4 – 3 1/2 | All-purpose flour |
| – | Butter |
| 1 | Powdered sugar |
| 1 – 2 | Water |
Instructions:
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Activate Yeast: In a large mixer bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in warm water. Ensure the water is just warm to the touch, not too hot.
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Mix Ingredients: To the dissolved yeast, add milk, sugar, salt, ground cardamom, egg, shortening, raisins, citron, and 2 cups of flour.
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Blend: Beat the mixture on low speed, scraping the bowl constantly, for about 30 seconds. Then switch to medium speed and beat for an additional 2 minutes, occasionally scraping the bowl.
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Incorporate Flour: Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a dough that’s easy to handle. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
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Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 5 minutes of kneading.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, making sure to turn the greased side up. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which typically takes around 1 to 1 1/2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when an indentation remains when you gently touch the dough.
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Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and shape it into a round loaf.
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Second Rise: Grease a 9-inch round pan and place the shaped loaf in it. Brush the top lightly with butter and allow it to rise again until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 45 minutes.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake: Once the dough has doubled in size again, place it in the preheated oven and bake until the loaf is golden brown, typically for 35 to 45 minutes.
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Glaze: After baking, brush the top of the loaf with some more butter. Then, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and water until smooth and achieving the desired consistency.
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Finish: Spread the prepared glaze on top of the warm loaf, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
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Cool and Serve: Let the Scandinavian Fruit Bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy the delightful aroma and flavors of this traditional treat with your loved ones!
This Scandinavian Fruit Bread (Julekage) recipe is a labor of love, filled with warm spices, sweet fruits, and a comforting texture that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re indulging in it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.
