Julekake (Norwegian Christmas Bread)

Julekake (Norwegian Christmas Bread) was made for We Knead To Bake #23. Thanks to Aparna, for introducing new bread recipe for this Christmas, called “Julekake”.

Julekake is cardamom-scented Norwegian Christmas bread baked with raisins.  This bread is not only having cake-like texture. But, also taste like.  

While baking, my kitchen was filled with the aroma of bread and cardamom. Oh…. it was an amazing feel.  As usual, I don’t want to go with 100% sugar and all purpose flour (AP). 

Instead, I go with Sugar & Honey and Whole wheat Flour & AP combination.

Ingredients: 1 ½  cup of whole wheat flour     ;      1 cup of all purpose flour   ;     50 gms of soft butter     ;      1/8 cup of Sugar     ;     1/8 cup of  Honey    ;      ¼ cup of Luke warm water      ;         ½ cup of Luke warm milk         ;       1 ½  tsp of instant yeast        ;      1 egg         ;         ½ tsp of salt       ;          1 tsp  of cardamom powdered      ;     ½ cup of Raisins      ;        1¼ cup of  chopped almond

Procedure :  Add the water, milk, yeast and 1 tsp sugar (from the ¼ cup) in a bowl, mix well and keep aside for 10 minutes.

In the large bowl, add egg, butter, sugar, the yeast mixture and mix well. Now add both the flour, the powdered cardamom and knead well until the dough is soft, smooth and elastic. (If required, you may add flour or water to get the right consistency)

Flatten the dough on the working stone, Sprinkle the fruit and raisins evenly and then roll it up like a Swiss roll. Again start kneads the dough gently by hand to form as a ball shape.

Place the ball shaped dough in an oiled bowl and cover with the damp cloth for about an hour or till the dough become double in volume.

Once again, knead the dough to deflate and shape it into a ball and place it on a lined or lightly greased baking sheet and allow it to rise for about 45 minutes.

Brush the ball shaped dough with milk and sprinkle the chopped almonds on top. 

Transfer to the pre-heated oven and bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes or till the bread is done.  (You may cover the bread with foil after 15 minutes to avoid over browning)

Transfer to the wired rack and allow it to cool completely.

Cool it on a rack. Let it cool completely

Julekake can be consumed directly (without any butter or jam) as it’s cardamom flavored sweet bread with raisins, almond.  imm……this combination makes this bread unique and special for for Christmas.