Semla (Swedish Fat Tuesday Buns)

Semla (Swedish Fat Tuesday Buns)
  • PREP TIME
    45 mins
  • COOK TIME
    15 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    3 hrs 20 mins
  • SERVING
    12 People
  • VIEWS
    9

Embark on a culinary journey to Sweden with Semla, delightful cardamom-spiced buns that cradle a heart of sweet almond paste and are crowned with a cloud of ethereal whipped cream. Traditionally enjoyed before Lent, these decadent treats are perfect for any occasion.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    58 g
  • Cholesterol
    76 mg
  • Fiber
    3 g
  • Protein
    9 g
  • Saturated Fat
    13 g
  • Sodium
    193 mg
  • Fat
    28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In the bowl of a stand mixer, pour in the warm milk. Sprinkle the yeast on top, followed by 1 1/3 cups of flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Let stand until foamy, about 20 minutes.

02

Step

Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, egg, cardamom, and salt. Knead with the dough hook (or by hand) until a soft, smooth, and elastic dough forms, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Using flour as needed, roll each portion under a cupped hand to form perfectly smooth balls.

03

Step

Place the dough balls evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Gently flatten the tops slightly. Dust the tops with flour, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

04

Step

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

05

Step

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the rolls all over with the egg wash.

06

Step

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer the buns to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

07

Step

In a food processor, combine the almond paste, powdered sugar, milk, and cardamom. Blend until the almond filling is smooth and creamy.

08

Step

Once the buns are cool, cut a triangle from the top of each bun. Remove some of the crumbs from the center to create space for the filling. Pipe the almond filling into each bun, and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Replace the triangle top and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the dough.
Adjust the amount of milk in the almond paste filling to reach your desired consistency. It should be smooth and spreadable.
If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag with a corner cut off to pipe the almond filling and whipped cream.
Semlor are best enjoyed fresh on the same day they are assembled, but the buns can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Billie Zulauf

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 5.0/ 5 ( 3 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (10)
  • Adrien Gottlieb

    The cardamom flavor is just perfect. Not too strong, but definitely present.

  • Carlotta Hammes

    I've never made anything like this before, but the instructions were clear and easy to follow.

  • Tianna Schuster

    The almond paste filling is divine! I could eat it with a spoon.

  • Madelyn Pacocha

    My family devoured these in minutes. Will definitely be making them again.

  • Janae Runolfsson

    Next time, I might try adding a little orange zest to the dough for extra flavor.

  • Luciano Rippin

    These were amazing! So much better than anything I've bought from a bakery.

  • Erin Okon

    These are so delicious and impressive! Perfect for a special occasion.

  • Imelda Becker

    I had a little trouble with the dough being too sticky, but adding a bit more flour solved the problem.

  • Ana Runte

    I made these for Fat Tuesday and they were a huge hit!

  • Rachel Okeefe

    The secret is fresh cardamom, don't use the old stuff from your pantry

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