Swedish Semlor: Cardamom-Spiced Lenten Buns

Swedish Semlor: Cardamom-Spiced Lenten Buns

Semlor, a traditional Swedish treat, are delightful cardamom-spiced buns filled with a luscious almond paste and topped with airy whipped cream. Originally enjoyed on Shrove Tuesday, these rich buns are a heavenly indulgence perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
🥛 250 ml milk
🧈 100 g butter
🌿 25 g fresh yeast (Brand: KronJäst)
🍬 0.5 dl granulated sugar
🧂 0.5 teaspoon salt
🌿 1.5 teaspoons ground cardamom (freshly ground from whole pods)
🥚 1 large egg
🍞 500 g all-purpose flour

For the Egg Wash:
🥚 1 large egg
💧 1 tablespoon water

For the Almond Paste Filling:
🌰 200 g almonds (whole, then ground)
🍬 0.5 dl granulated sugar
🍞 Bread crumbs (from the hollowed-out buns, approx. 15 buns' worth)
🥛 0.5 dl milk

For the Whipped Cream:
🥛 3 dl heavy cream
🍬 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

For Garnish:
🍬 Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

• Heat 250 ml of milk gently in a saucepan. Melt 100 g of butter and combine with the milk.
• In a stand mixer (Ankarsrum Assistent Original), crumble 25 g of fresh yeast. Pour in the warm milk-butter mixture and stir to dissolve the yeast.
• Add 0.5 dl granulated sugar, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 1.5 teaspoons of ground cardamom.
• Incorporate 1 egg, and gradually mix in 500 g of all-purpose flour. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
• Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

2- Form and Bake the Buns:

• Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide into 15 equal pieces, shaping each into a smooth ball.
• Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and allow to rise again until doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F.
• Prepare an egg wash by whisking 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the buns’ tops, then bake until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
• Cool completely on a wire rack.

3- Prepare the Almond Paste Filling:

• Grind 200 g almonds with 0.5 dl sugar in a food processor. Hollow out cooled buns, reserving crumbs.
• Combine the crumbs with the almond-sugar mixture and 0.5 dl milk to form a thick paste.
• Fill each bun with the almond paste.

4- Assemble and Garnish:

• Whip 3 dl heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Pipe whipped cream over the almond-filled buns using a piping bag with a star nozzle.
• Replace bun lids and dust with powdered sugar.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 15 buns
Equipment: Saucepan, Induction Cooktop, Ankarsrum Assistent Original Stand Mixer, Mixing bowls, measuring tools, mortar and pestle, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, wire cooling rack, Hand mixer, food processor, piping bag, sieve, small knife

Cooking Tips

• Freshly grind cardamom for enhanced flavor.
• Ensure double rising for a perfectly airy texture.
• Use the traditional method of creating almond filling by hollowing each bun.

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Swedish Semlor: Cardamom-Spiced Lenten Buns