Yeast Breads: Julekake

My father is Danish, so this Scandinavian Christmas cake (which is the literal translation of Julekake) is not uncommon in our household. It's usually filled with fruit and spices, making it fragrant and delicious at the same time. You can add more or less candied cherries if you like, depending on who you're serving this to. You can also add raisins, or not. You might even try adding walnuts.


This recipe will make 2 small, round loaves.


Ingredients


For the Bread
3 cups all purpose flour
1¼ tsp bread machine or quick rise yeast
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ cup milk
¼ cup water
⅓ cup butter, softened
2 eggs
¼ cup red candied cherries
¼ cup green candied cherries
¼ cup raisins (optional)


For the Glaze
¾ cup powdered sugar
¼ tsp almond extract
1 tbsp milk


Preparation


This bread is easier to make than you think. Start by placing all bread ingredients into a large bowl except for the candied cherries and the raisins (if you're using raisins). Mix together the bread ingredients until a loose dough forms. Turn this dough out onto a floured surface and knead until soft and elastic, about 5 minutes. Add the cherries and raisins to the dough, gently kneading them in so you don't crush the cherries.


Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover. Set aside and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles, but be gentle so you don't crush the cherries. Divide dough in 2 equal pieces. Form each piece into a round loaf and place on a prepared baking sheet. Cover once again and allow to rise for about 45 minutes.


Heat oven to 375°F. Uncover loaves and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until loaves are browned and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from baking sheets immediately and cool on wire racks.


When loaves are completely cooled, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the loaves. Allow glaze to set for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.


These loaves will keep fro up to 3 days in an airtight container.