Fluffy Swedish Semla Cream Bun Cake Recipe for Sweet Joy

Soft, pillowy pastries steeped in Swedish cream bun cake tradition have captivated dessert lovers for generations.

The (semla) carries a rich cultural heritage that speaks to comfort and indulgence.

Decades of baking expertise converge in this delectable treat, blending delicate almond paste with luscious whipped cream.

Nordic bakers perfected this heavenly dessert, turning simple ingredients into pure magic.

Each bite promises a sublime journey through Swedish culinary craftsmanship.

Creamy, sweet, and elegantly crafted, this cake invites you to savor a moment of pure gastronomic bliss.

Let’s unlock the secrets of this irresistible Nordic delicacy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours (plus cooling time)

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients You’ll Use for Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla)

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate yeast for perfect rise.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast fermentation.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create soft, tender texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create tender crumb.
• Yeast: Essential for bread rising and developing classic fluffy texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to dough.
• Ground Cardamom: Brings signature Swedish aromatic warmth.
• Flour: Provides structure and determines cake's texture.

• Almond Paste: Delivers nutty, sweet core filling with traditional Scandinavian touch.
• Milk: Smooths almond paste and adds creamy consistency.
• Whipped Cream: Creates luxurious, light layer with fresh texture.
• Orange Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy note to complement rich ingredients.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides elegant, sweet dust for classic Swedish dessert presentation.
• Beaten Egg: Creates golden, glossy crust when brushed on bread surface.

Tools for Baking and Filling Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla)

• Large bowl: For mixing dry ingredients and initial dough preparation.
• Small saucepan: To heat milk and butter to the correct temperature.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures precise milk and bread temperature.
• Springform pan (10-inch): Creates the cake's circular shape and easy removal.
• Wire rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Small food processor: Smooths almond paste quickly and efficiently.
• Small spoon or knife: Perfect for creating cake hollows and filling sections.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly distribute egg wash for golden-brown finish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Prepare Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla) Step-by-Step

• Dough Preparation

Mix sugar and salt in a large bowl. Warm milk and butter until melted. Combine warm liquid with sugar mixture and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit until yeast becomes bubbly. Add egg and cardamom, stirring gently. Gradually incorporate flour until dough feels soft and slightly tacky. Knead on floured surface until smooth. Let dough rise in a covered greased bowl for half an hour.

• Cake Shaping

Prepare springform pan with cooking spray. Punch down risen dough and shape into circular wedges. Arrange wedges in pan like a sunburst pattern. Allow second rise for short period. Brush top with beaten egg.

• Baking Process

Heat oven to moderate temperature. Bake until golden brown and internal temperature reaches ideal point. Cool bread completely on wire rack after removing from pan.

• Filling Creation

Soften almond paste with milk until creamy. Carve gentle wells in cake bottom. Spoon almond mixture into carved spaces.

• Final Assembly

Fold whipped cream with orange zest. Layer cream over almond base. Replace cake tops. Dust entire surface with powdered sugar for elegant finish.

Tips to Improve Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla) Texture and Flavor

• Adjust flour gradually to achieve a slightly sticky consistency that promises soft, pillowy bread. Avoid adding too much flour, which can make the dough dense and tough.
• Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg alongside cardamom to create unique flavor profiles that complement the traditional Swedish recipe.
• Swap almond paste with other nut butters like hazelnut or pistachio cream for an unexpected taste adventure. Mix in a splash of liqueur or extract for extra depth.
• Prepare the bread dough a day in advance and refrigerate overnight. This slow fermentation develops richer flavors and makes day-of assembly a breeze.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version. Use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe accessible to more dietary needs.

Ways to Present Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla) Beautifully

• Sweet Companion Pairings: Enjoy this Swedish cream bun cake with a warm cup of dark roast coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate to complement its rich, sweet flavors.
• Festive Presentation Style: Serve the cake on a beautiful vintage platter or wooden board, highlighting its golden-brown color and delicate circular shape for a stunning visual impact.
• Seasonal Celebration Twist: Perfect for winter gatherings or traditional Swedish holiday events like Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday), where semla is a beloved cultural dessert that brings people together with its luxurious almond and cream combination.
• Texture Contrast Recommendation: Add a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or crushed cardamom pods on top of the powdered sugar for an extra crunch and aromatic dimension that elevates the cake's sensory experience.

How to Store Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla) Properly

• Advance Prep Magic: Prepare the bread dough up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious morning time.
• Chilled Delight Duration: Store finished Swedish cream bun cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, keeping its delicate texture and creamy filling fresh and appetizing.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual cake wedges separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats stay delicious for up to 4 weeks when properly sealed.
• Room Temperature Window: Allow chilled cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and softness, bringing back that just-baked magic.

Heavenly Swedish Cream Bun Cake

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• Total Time: 2 hours (plus cooling time)
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Scandinavian semla cream bun cake celebrates classic Swedish pastry traditions with delicate almond-infused sponge layers and rich vanilla custard. Sweet whipped cream and powdered sugar complete this elegant dessert that connects generations of Nordic baking heritage.

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Ingredients

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• 4 to 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.25 cups whole milk (475 ml)
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups unsalted butter
• 1 (0.25 oz) package active dry yeast
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 0.25 tsp salt
• ⅔ cups almond paste
• 2 tbsps whole milk
• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest
• Powdered sugar (as desired)
• 1 large egg (beaten, for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Dissolve sugar and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a foundational flavor base for the Swedish cream bun cake.
2. Liquid Integration: Warm milk and butter to 120-130°F, ensuring optimal yeast activation and smooth incorporation.
3. Yeast Activation: Sprinkle yeast over warm liquid, allowing it to bloom and develop a frothy fermentation signature.
4. Flavor Infusion: Blend egg and ground cardamom into the yeast mixture, introducing aromatic complexity to the dough.
5. Dough Formation: Gradually fold in flour, kneading until achieving a smooth, elastic texture with slight tackiness.
6. First Proofing: Place dough in a greased bowl, covering and allowing it to rise until springy and doubled in volume.
7. Shaping: Deflate dough and divide into 12 precise wedges, arranging them in a circular springform pan prepared with nonstick spray.
8. Second Proofing: Allow shaped dough to rise again, developing additional volume and lightness.
9. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F, creating an optimal baking environment.
10. Finishing Touches: Brush dough surface with beaten egg and bake until achieving a deep amber color and internal temperature of 190°F.
11. Cake Assembly: Cool cake thoroughly, then slice horizontally and carefully hollow out small cavities in each bottom wedge.
12. Filling Creation: Blend almond paste with milk to create a smooth mixture, then fill cavities and layer with whipped cream infused with orange zest.
13. Final Presentation: Reassemble cake wedges and dust with powdered sugar, creating an elegant Swedish semla dessert.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Precise milk temperature between 120-130°F is crucial for optimal yeast performance, ensuring perfect dough rise and texture.
• Dough Kneading Technique: Rhythmic, consistent kneading develops gluten strands, creating a smooth, elastic dough that guarantees a light, airy cake structure.
• Temperature Control: Bake at exactly 350°F and monitor internal temperature to 190°F for a golden-brown exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
• Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate ground cardamom and orange zest strategically to elevate the cake’s aromatic complexity and create a sophisticated taste profile.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg