Swedish Semla Recipe‍

Originally, the Semla was a simple bread bun soaked in warm milk, eaten by peasants during the Lenten season as a way to indulge before the fasting period began. Over time, the Semla evolved into the sweet treat we know and love today. In the 18th century, bakers started adding sugar and spices to the dough, creating a more flavorful bun. The addition of almond paste and whipped cream came later, making it the indulgent delight it is now.

Ingredients Required for Swedish Semla

To create the perfect Swedish Semla, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. The dough is the foundation of this treat, and it requires flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, cardamom, and salt. Cardamom is the secret ingredient that gives the buns their distinct flavor. For the almond filling, you’ll need ground almonds, powdered sugar, and a touch of milk. Finally, the whipped cream topping calls for heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to embark on your baking adventure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Swedish Semla

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt. Mix well. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. While the dough is rising, prepare the almond filling. In a bowl, mix together ground almonds, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. The mixture should be firm and pliable. Set it aside for later use.
3. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush the buns with an egg wash made from beaten egg and a splash of milk. Bake the buns for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
5. Once the buns have cooled, it’s time to assemble the Semla. Cut off the top of each bun and set it aside. Scoop out the center of the bun, creating a cavity for the almond filling. Fill each bun with a generous amount of the almond mixture.
6. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it reaches a soft peak consistency. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until it becomes thick and fluffy.
7. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of the almond filling, and gently place the bun top back on. Dust the Semla with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips and Tricks for Baking the Perfect Swedish Semla

• Ensure that the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment to achieve the best results.
• Use freshly ground cardamom for maximum flavor.
• When shaping the dough into balls, make sure they are smooth and evenly sized for consistent baking.
• Be careful not to overbake the buns, as they can dry out easily.
• Allow the assembled Semla to sit for a while before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Swedish Semla Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Swedish

Servings 4 People

Calories 500 kcal

In the 18th century, bakers started adding sugar and spices to the dough, creating a more flavorful bun. The addition of almond paste and whipped cream came later, making it the indulgent delight it is now.

Kitchen equipment list

• 1 Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

123

For the Buns:

• ▢ 3 cups All-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 tsp Instant yeast
• ▢ ½ cup Milk
• ▢ 5 tbsp Unsalted butter
• ▢ ½ tsp Ground cardamom
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ ¼ cup Sugar
• ▢ 1 large Egg

Almond Filling:

• ▢ ½ tsp Almond extract
• ▢ 2 cups Almonds
• ▢ ¼ cup Sugar
• ▢ ¾ cup Milk
• ▢ ¼ tsp Salt

Whipped Cream:

• ▢ Powdered sugar for dusting (Optional)
• ▢ 1 ½ cups Heavy whipping cream
• ▢ 3 tbsp Sugar

Water Roux:

• ▢ 5 tbsp Water
• ▢ 5 tbsp Whole milk
• ▢ 3 tbsp All-purpose flour

Instructions 

• Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt. Mix well. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
• While the dough is rising, prepare the almond filling. In a bowl, mix together ground almonds, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. The mixture should be firm and pliable. Set it aside for later use.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Brush the buns with an egg wash made from beaten egg and a splash of milk. Bake the buns for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
• Once the buns have cooled, it’s time to assemble the Semla. Cut off the top of each bun and set it aside. Scoop out the center of the bun, creating a cavity for the almond filling. Fill each bun with a generous amount of the almond mixture.
• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it reaches a soft peak consistency. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until it becomes thick and fluffy.
• Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of the almond filling, and gently place the bun top back on. Dust the Semla with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips

Tips and Tricks for Baking the Perfect Swedish Semla

• Ensure that the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment to achieve the best results.
• Use freshly ground cardamom for maximum flavor.
• When shaping the dough into balls, make sure they are smooth and evenly sized for consistent baking.
• Be careful not to overbake the buns, as they can dry out easily.
• Allow the assembled Semla to sit for a while before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition

Serving: 150 gCalories: 500 kcalCarbohydrates: 55 gProtein: 11 gFat: 27 g

Keyword Semla

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Variations of Swedish Semla

While the traditional Swedish Semla is a delight on its own, there are a few variations that you can explore. One popular variation is the chocolate Semla, where the bun is infused with cocoa powder and filled with chocolate-flavored almond paste. Another option is the fruit Semla, which includes a layer of berry jam or fresh fruit compote alongside the almond filling. These variations add a unique twist to the classic Semla and cater to different taste preferences.

Serving and Enjoying Swedish Semla

Swedish Semla is traditionally enjoyed during Fettisdagen, also known as Shrove Tuesday, which is the day before Lent begins. However, you can indulge in these delightful treats throughout the Lenten season and beyond. Serve the Semla with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a truly satisfying experience. Take a moment to savor each bite, allowing the flavors to dance on your taste buds. The combination of the fluffy bun, sweet almond filling, and creamy whipped cream is an explosion of taste and texture that will leave you craving for more.

Where to Find Swedish Semla in Sweden and Worldwide

If you find yourself in Sweden during the Lenten season, you’ll have no trouble finding Swedish Semla at bakeries, cafes, and even supermarkets. These delectable treats are available throughout the country, and each region may have its own unique twist on the recipe. Outside of Sweden, Swedish Semla has gained popularity worldwide, especially in areas with a significant Swedish population. Look for Scandinavian bakeries or specialty stores in your area that might offer this delightful pastry.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Swedish Semla

The Swedish Semla is more than just a pastry; it’s a symbol of tradition, indulgence, and the joy of simple pleasures. Whether you decide to embark on the adventure of making Semla from scratch or purchase them from a local bakery, the experience of biting into a fluffy bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream is truly delightful. The Swedish Semla is a treat that connects generations, brings people together, and satisfies even the most discerning sweet tooth. So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible charm of Swedish Semla? Get baking, and let the magic unfold!