Dreamy Semlor: The Fluffiest Swedish Cream Buns Recipe

Creamy, dreamy semlor have captured Swedish hearts for generations.

Bakers throughout Scandinavia adore these delicate pastries bursting with almond paste and whipped cream.

Nordic traditions shine through in every delectable bite of these elegant treats.

Generations have passed down secret techniques for crafting perfect cream-filled buns.

Delicate cardamom-infused dough creates a tender base for these heavenly delights.

Soft, pillowy textures and rich flavors make semlor an irresistible indulgence.

You’ll want to savor each magnificent morsel of this classic Swedish dessert.

Why Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns) Are So Loved

• Celebrate Swedish Culinary Heritage: Dive into a traditional Swedish treat that brings the rich flavors and baking techniques of Scandinavia right to your kitchen.
• Master Delicate Pastry Skills: Learn the art of creating perfectly soft, yeasted buns with a delicate texture that requires some baking finesse but rewards you with an impressive result.
• Indulge in Luxurious Layers: Experience a decadent dessert with multiple delightful components – soft bread, creamy almond filling, whipped cream, and a powdery sugar finish that creates a symphony of textures and flavors.
• Perfect for Special Gatherings: Showcase your baking prowess at dinner parties, family celebrations, or afternoon tea, where these elegant cream buns will surely impress guests with their sophisticated presentation and authentic Swedish charm.

What You’ll Need For Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns)

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Warm Water: Activates and helps dissolve the yeast.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the buns.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps develop the dough's soft texture.
• Butter: Provides moisture and a rich flavor to the buns.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dough.
• Cardamom: Brings a traditional Swedish spice flavor to the buns.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides richness.

• Almond Paste: Creates a sweet, nutty filling for the buns.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich, smooth topping for the buns.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a classic decorative finish.

• Egg: Used to create a golden, shiny surface on the baked buns.

Steps To Make Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns)

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Combine warm water and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit and bubble for about 10 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Blend in milk, softened butter, sugar, salt, cardamom, an egg, and part of the flour. Whisk everything until the mixture turns smooth and silky.

Step 3: Knead Soft Dough

Gradually incorporate remaining flour, working it into a tender dough. Knead on a flour-dusted surface for 5-10 minutes until the dough feels elastic and smooth.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6: Shape Bun Rounds

Gently deflate the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions.

Roll each piece into a perfect round ball and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the dough balls and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake Golden Buns

Brush the tops with beaten egg and bake until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 15 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 9: Create Bun Cavities

Slice off the tops of each bun and carefully scoop out a small center portion.

Step 10: Prepare Almond Filling

• Almond paste
• A splash of milk

Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Spoon this mixture back into the bun cavities.

Step 11: Whip Cream Topping

Whip cream with powdered sugar until it forms stiff, billowy peaks.

Pipe or spoon the cream over the almond filling.

Step 12: Final Flourish

Place the bun tops back on and dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful, classic Swedish finish.

Helpful Tips For Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns)

• Proof yeast carefully to ensure a light, fluffy texture for the buns, watching for frothy bubbles as a sign of active fermentation.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a soft and elastic consistency that helps the semlor rise beautifully.
• Allow sufficient rising time in a warm, draft-free area to help buns achieve maximum volume and delicate crumb structure.
• Use fresh almond paste and high-quality cream for authentic Swedish flavor and rich, creamy filling that elevates the traditional dessert.
• Dust semlor with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain a pristine appearance and prevent moisture absorption.

Tasty Spins On Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns)

• Chocolate Indulgence: Replace almond paste with rich chocolate ganache, infusing the buns with decadent cocoa flavor and adding dark chocolate shavings on top.
• Berries and Cream: Swap almond filling with mixed berry compote, folding fresh raspberries and strawberries into the whipped cream for a fruity Swedish treat.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate chopped toasted hazelnuts into the almond paste and drizzle caramel sauce over the cream, creating a crunchy sweet variation.
• Cardamom Orange Zest: Enhance the filling with orange zest and extra ground cardamom, garnishing with candied orange peel for a citrusy Nordic-inspired version.

Pairings That Work With Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns)

• Pair Velvety Hot Chocolate: Creamy Swedish hot chocolate perfectly complements the rich, sweet semlor with its warm, indulgent flavor profile.
• Create Cardamom Coffee Match: Strong Swedish-style filter coffee with subtle cardamom notes enhances the delicate spices in the bun, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Select Elderflower Sparkle: Light, floral elderflower cordial or sparkling drink provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet almond and cream filling.
• Design Scandinavian Tea Moment: Traditional Swedish black tea with a hint of bergamot cuts through the richness, balancing the semlor's creamy texture and sweet complexity.

How To Store Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns) Just Right

• Refrigerate: Store assembled semlor in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep cream and filling separate from buns to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze Unfilled: Wrap plain buns tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and fill just before serving.
• Reheat Gently: Warm buns briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore softness. Avoid microwaving to prevent toughening the delicate texture.
• Fresh Assembly: Reassemble semlor after reheating by adding fresh whipped cream, almond filling, and powdered sugar for the best taste and presentation.

Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns) FAQs You Need

• What is the role of cardamom in this recipe?

Cardamom adds a distinctive Nordic flavor and warmth to the buns, giving them a traditional Swedish taste that enhances the overall sweetness and complexity of the dessert.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before shaping to allow it to come to room temperature.

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

When you dissolve the yeast in warm water, it should become frothy and bubbly within 10 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old or inactive, and you’ll need to replace it.

Semlor (Swedish Cream Buns) Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly Swedish Semlor cream buns blend delicate cardamom-spiced dough with luscious almond paste and billowing whipped cream. Rich Nordic traditions shine through this elegant pastry that promises pure indulgence with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3/4 cup milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs, divided

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond paste
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast in tepid water within a spacious mixing vessel, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Incorporate milk, softened butter, sugar, salt, cardamom, and an egg, blending thoroughly with initial flour portion until achieving a smooth consistency.
3. Gradually introduce remaining flour, kneading on a lightly dusted surface for 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes silky and resilient.
4. Transfer dough to a greased container, drape with a cloth, and permit rising in a warm environment for 60 minutes or until volume doubles.
5. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Deflate dough and partition into 12 uniform spherical portions, positioning them evenly on the prepared sheet.
7. Allow buns to proof for an additional 30 minutes, then delicately brush surfaces with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 15 minutes until achieving a golden-amber hue, then cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Carefully slice off bun tops and gently excavate a small interior cavity.
10. Combine extracted bread crumbs with almond paste and minimal milk, creating a cohesive filling mixture.
11. Stuff the buns with the almond blend, then crown with whipped cream beaten to stiff peak consistency.
12. Restore bun tops and generously dust with powdered sugar for a classic Swedish presentation.

Notes

• Yeast Activation: Ensure warm water is precisely between 100-110°F to perfectly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a soft, elastic texture that’s key to authentic Swedish buns.
• Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help achieve optimal rise and volume.
• Almond Variation: Substitute almond paste with ground almonds or marzipan for a more intense nutty flavor if preferred.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the buns’ delicate structure.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and margarine, and whip coconut cream as a lactose-free alternative to traditional cream.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg