Julekage Christmas Fruit Bread

In Denmark, the holiday season is a cozy and joyous time filled with delightful traditions, especially when it comes to their delicious Christmas baked goods. One popular festive treat that graces many Danish tables during Christmas is the Julekage Christmas Fruit Bread. This delightful bread is a perfect combination of rich, sweet, and fruity flavors that embody the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack with a cup of coffee, or serve it to guests over the holidays, this recipe is sure to bring a taste of Christmas to your home.

**Julekage Christmas Fruit Bread**

**Ingredients:**

– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
– 1/2 cup chopped candied lemon peel
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup dried currants
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 egg, beaten
– Sliced almonds and pearl sugar for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition until a soft dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Punch down the risen dough and knead in the candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, raisins, currants, chopped almonds, orange zest, and lemon zest until well incorporated.
9. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds and pearl sugar if desired.
11. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
12. Bake the Julekage Christmas Fruit Bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Enjoy a slice of this fragrant and flavorful Julekage Christmas Fruit Bread alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, or share it with loved ones as a delightful holiday treat. The combination of aromatic spices, sweet candied fruits, and crunchy almonds make this bread a festive addition to your Christmas celebrations. Embrace the spirit of Danish holiday traditions with this delicious recipe that will fill your home with the warmth and joy of the season.