Laskiaispulla (Finnish Cream-Filled Buns)

Laskiaispulla, also known as Shrove buns, are traditional Finnish pastries enjoyed during the Shrove Tuesday season, from mid-January to early March. These delightful buns are similar to the Swedish semla and are filled with either almond paste or fruit jam, then topped with whipped cream. Here’s how you can make these delicious Finnish treats at home.

Ingredients:

• For the Buns:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling:
  • Almond paste or raspberry/strawberry jam
  • Whipped cream
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm, then dissolve the yeast in the milk.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cardamom, and salt.
   • Add the melted butter, egg, and the milk-yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Shape the Buns:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
3. Bake the Buns:
   • Bake the buns in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
   • Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Assemble the Laskiaispulla:
   • Once the buns are cool, slice the top off each bun and set aside.
   • Scoop out a small amount of the center of each bun and fill with almond paste or jam.
   • Pipe or spoon whipped cream over the filling, then place the top back on the bun.
   • Dust the buns with powdered sugar before serving.

These Laskiaispulla are perfect for a festive occasion or as a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.