The Swedish semla is a delicious and iconic pastry that is traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday in Sweden. This rich and indulgent treat is made up of a cardamom-spiced bun, filled with a sweet almond paste and topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. If you've never tried a Swedish semla before, you're in for a real treat! In this article, we'll take you through the steps of making your very own Swedish semla at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic and mouth-watering recipe.
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Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the key ingredients that make a Swedish semla stand out. The most important ingredient is the ground cardamom, which gives the buns their distinctive flavor. You can find ground cardamom in most supermarkets, but if you can't find it, you can substitute with nutmeg or cinnamon.
The filling is made up of ground almonds, icing sugar, egg white, and almond extract. This combination creates a sweet and creamy filling that perfectly complements the cardamom buns.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, softened butter, and ground cardamom. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a crumbly mixture.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm but not boiling. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and add the beaten egg and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, icing sugar, egg white, and almond extract. Mix until it forms a smooth paste.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Let the buns rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before filling.
Once the buns are completely cooled, cut off the top and scoop out some of the center to make room for the filling.
Fill each bun with a generous spoonful of the almond filling.
Whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of the filling and place the top of the bun back on.
Dust the tops with icing sugar and your Swedish semla is ready to be enjoyed!
Now that you have the recipe for this delectable Swedish treat, it's time to get baking! Impress your loved ones with your homemade semlor and savor every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Ingredients
