Swedish Almond Cream Buns

Ingredients

• For the buns: For the buns:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg, beaten 1 large egg, beaten
• For the almond cream: For the almond cream:
• 200g (1 1/2 cups) ground almonds 200g (1 1/2 cups) ground almonds
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 250ml (1 cup) milk 250ml (1 cup) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the topping: For the topping:
• 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 15g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, prepare the almond cream by combining the ground almonds, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and resembles a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
9. 9.
   Once the buns are completely cooled, cut off the top of each bun and set it aside. Hollow out the center of each bun, leaving a border around the edges.
10. 10.
    Fill each bun with a generous amount of almond cream. Replace the tops of the buns.
11. 11.
    Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Pipe or spoon a dollop of whipped cream on top of each bun.
12. 12.
    Dust the buns with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the almond cream. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground.
• Cardamom — Freshly ground cardamom seeds provide the best flavor. If using pre-ground cardamom, adjust the quantity to taste.
• Heavy cream — Chill the cream and the mixing bowl in the refrigerator before whipping to achieve the best results.
• Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough.
• Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before dusting the buns for a smoother appearance.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of ground cardamom on top of the whipped cream before dusting with powdered sugar.
• To make mini Semla, divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the almond cream.
• Serve the buns slightly warm for an extra cozy experience.
• Store any leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Swedish Almond Cream Buns as a delightful afternoon treat or as a special dessert. Accompany them with a cup of hot coffee or tea to enhance the experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Swedish Almond Cream Buns on a serving platter, dust them generously with powdered sugar, and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cardamom. Serve them with a side of fresh berries or a small bowl of lingonberry jam for an extra touch of color and flavor.