Julekage Bread

A Christmas bread that originated in Denmark. The bread is made with white flour, enriched with eggs and butter, and flavored with cardamom, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. It is loaded with chopped dried and candied fruits, such as dried apricots, dried dates, red and green candied cherries, candied pineapple, and golden raisins, which have the appearance of jewels scattered throughout the bread. Almost any type of dried or candied fruit can be used. The bread is usually formed into a round or loaf shape and is usually topped with nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, and sprinkled with sugar before baking. Some versions are frosted after baking and may or may not be topped with nuts. Julekage is also spelled Julekaka.