Recipe

Sundanese-style Semla

Sundanese Delight: A Unique Twist on Semla

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Sundanese cuisine with this delightful twist on the classic Swedish Semla. This recipe combines the rich and creamy Semla with the vibrant and aromatic spices of Sundanese cuisine, creating a fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Pastry› Sweet Pastry› Semla

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Nordic cuisines› Swedish cuisine

Asian cuisine› Indonesian cuisine› Acehnese cuisine› Javanese cuisine› Sundanese cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

20 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Lactose-free (if using lactose-free cream), Nut-free (if almond paste is substituted with a different filling)

Allergens

Dairy (cream), Nuts (almond paste)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free (unless using gluten-free sweet buns)

Ingredients

The Sundanese-style Semla differs from the original Swedish Semla by incorporating Sundanese spices and flavors. The almond paste filling is infused with turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass, giving it a spicier and more aromatic profile. The whipped cream topping is flavored with pandan, adding a refreshing and fragrant element to the dessert. These additions create a fusion of flavors that combines the best of Swedish and Sundanese cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Semla, so you can check it out.

4 Sundanese-style sweet buns 4 Sundanese-style sweet buns
100g (3.5 oz) almond paste 100g (3.5 oz) almond paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/2 teaspoon lemongrass powder 1/2 teaspoon lemongrass powder
200ml (7 fl oz) heavy cream 200ml (7 fl oz) heavy cream
1 tablespoon pandan extract 1 tablespoon pandan extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 10g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Slice the top off each sweet bun and set aside.
2.
Scoop out the center of each bun, creating a hollow space for the filling.
3.
In a bowl, combine the almond paste, turmeric powder, ginger powder, and lemongrass powder. Mix well until the spices are evenly incorporated into the almond paste.
4.
Fill each bun with the spiced almond paste mixture.
5.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
6.
Add the pandan extract to the whipped cream and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
7.
Spoon the pandan-flavored whipped cream onto each filled bun.
8.
Place the top of each bun back on and dust with powdered sugar.
9.
Serve the Sundanese-style Semla immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Almond paste — Make sure to use a high-quality almond paste for the best flavor and texture in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

If you can't find Sundanese-style sweet buns, you can use regular sweet buns and add a touch of Sundanese spices to the almond paste filling.
Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference for spiciness.
For an extra indulgent twist, you can sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts on top of the whipped cream.

Serving advice

Serve the Sundanese-style Semla as a dessert after a Sundanese meal or as a special treat during festive occasions. Pair it with a cup of hot Sundanese tea for a complete culinary experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder on top of the whipped cream to create a vibrant yellow garnish. Serve the Semla on a decorative plate or a traditional Sundanese woven tray for an authentic touch.