Discover the charm of Swedish semla: A traditional delight

Swedish cakes, known as semla or semlor, are popular desserts during the carnival season, but their taste makes them worth enjoying year-round. These buns are filled with almond paste and whipped cream, making them an exceptional dessert, perfect for cool winter evenings. A smile on your face is guaranteed after such a treat.

The origin of semlor dates back to ancient Rome, where people enjoyed bread soaked in milk. The word "semla" comes from the Latin "semila," meaning fine flour. Over time, this tradition went to Germanic countries and from there to Scandinavia.

Semlor has been known in Scandinavia since the 16th century, when Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg brought it to Sweden. One of the biggest fans of Swedish buns was King Adolf Frederick. Unfortunately, they did not do him much good. After a hefty meal, he consumed a large quantity of semla, suffered stomach cramps, and passed away a few hours later. No wonder gluttony is considered a cardinal sin.

Traditionally, semlor were served in deep plates with warm milk in Sweden. Now, these buns are incredibly popular and are eaten from Christmas until Easter. They have become one of the symbols of Swedish cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 15 grams of fresh yeast
• 150 millilitres of warm milk
• 125 grams of butter
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 60 millilitres of sugar
• a pinch of salt

Filling

• 250 millilitres of ground almonds,
• 125 grams of butter,
• 125 grams of powdered sugar,
• 1 egg,
• 1 tablespoon of marzipan (optional),
• 500 millilitres of heavy cream,
• powdered sugar for sprinkling.

Preparation method:

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk, add a tablespoon of flour, and set aside in a warm place for about 15 minutes until it starts to rise.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the starter, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk. Knead into a smooth dough.
3. Cover with a cloth and set aside in a warm place to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. In a bowl, mix ground almonds, butter, powdered sugar, egg, and marzipan. Blend or crush into a smooth paste.
5. Divide the risen dough into portions, form buns, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes under a cloth to let them rise a bit.
7. Brush them with beaten egg.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius (350°F) for about 20 to 25 minutes until the buns are golden.
9. Cut the cooled buns in half. Spread a thick layer of almond paste on the bottom half, then add whipped cream.
10. Cover with the top half and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Delicious buns with almond filling and whipped cream are now ready. Enjoy!