Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla): A Delightful Scandinavian Treat

The Swedish Cream Bun Cake, also known as Semla, is a traditional Scandinavian pastry that’s both beautiful and delicious. Typically served around Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) or during the Lenten season, this treat is beloved for its soft cardamom-spiced bread, sweet almond filling, and whipped cream topping. Instead of individual buns, this recipe takes the classic flavors of semla and transforms them into a stunning cake perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 (¼-ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)

For the Filling:

• ⅔ cup almond paste
• 2 tbsp whole milk

For the Topping:

• 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
• Powdered sugar, as desired

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Dough

• In a large bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ tsp salt. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, heat 1¼ cups whole milk and ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches 120°F-130°F.
• Pour the warm milk mixture over the sugar and salt in the bowl. Sprinkle 1 package active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
• Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp ground cardamom to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
• Gradually mix in 3½ cups all-purpose flour, stirring well. Add more flour as needed until the dough is easy to handle but slightly sticky.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 30 minutes, or until the dough springs back when pressed lightly.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Bread

• Spray the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• Punch down the dough and knead it 2-3 times. Shape the dough into a large ball and press it into a 9-inch circle.
• Cut the dough into 12 wedges like a pie and place the wedges in the prepared springform pan, creating a circle. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Brush the top of the dough with 1 beaten egg and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 190°F.
• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack, about 1½ hours.

Step 3: Assemble the Semla Cake

• Once the bread has cooled, cut it in half horizontally along the pre-cut wedges. Place the bottom halves of the wedges on a serving plate, keeping them arranged in a circle.
• Use a small spoon or knife to scoop out a 1½-inch-wide circle of cake from the wide end of each bottom wedge, being careful not to break through the bottom crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Almond Filling

• In a small food processor, pulse ⅔ cup almond paste with 2 tbsp whole milk until smooth.
• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the almond paste mixture into the hole in each bottom wedge.

Step 5: Whipped Cream and Garnish

• Stir 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest into 1½ cups whipped heavy cream. Spread the whipped cream over the almond filling on the bottom wedges.
• Place the tops of the wedges back over the whipped cream, reassembling the cake.
• Sprinkle the entire cake generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Recipe Tips:

• Cardamom Spice: The ground cardamom in the bread adds a subtle yet aromatic spice that gives semla its signature flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
• Almond Paste Substitute: If you can’t find almond paste, you can make your own by blending finely ground almonds with sugar and a little milk to achieve a similar texture.
• Decorative Topping: For a festive touch, you can pipe the whipped cream in decorative swirls before assembling the top of the cake.

Recipe Information:

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (plus cooling time)
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 servings

This Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla) offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, from the soft, slightly sweet bread to the rich almond filling and light, citrusy whipped cream. It’s the perfect treat for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a taste of Scandinavian tradition. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor every delicious bite!

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