Semla, also known as Fettisdagsbulle, is a traditional Swedish pastry enjoyed during the Lenten season. These delicious sweet buns are filled with almond paste and whipped cream, making them a favorite treat for many. Here’s how you can make these delightful Swedish buns at home.
Ingredients:
- For the Buns:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (20 oz)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1/3 cup + 1/2 teaspoon sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- For the Glaze:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cream
- For the Almond Paste:
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- To Assemble:
- Whipping cream
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Make the Buns:
- In a bowl, combine lukewarm water, yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Let it rest until the yeast begins to grow.
- Mix the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg together, then add to the yeast mixture.
- Add the cardamom, flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, and salt. Mix and knead the dough until it becomes slightly sticky.
- Cover the dough and let it rise until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Bake the Buns:
- Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place them on a baking tray and let them rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the buns with an egg yolk and cream mixture.
- Bake the buns for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Almond Paste:
- Whip the egg white until soft peaks form, then fold in the ground almonds and powdered sugar. Set aside.
- Assemble the Semlor:
- When the buns are completely cool, slice off the tops and scoop out a bit of the inside to make space for the filling.
- Fill the buns with almond paste, followed by whipped cream.
- Place the tops back on and dust with powdered sugar.
Semlor are a delightful treat perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee. They combine the rich flavors of almond and cardamom with the lightness of whipped cream, making them a beloved Swedish dessert.