The Best Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla) Recipe for Family Joy

Swedish cream bun cakes have captivated dessert lovers with their irresistible charm and rich cultural heritage.

These delectable pastries represent a delightful fusion of soft, pillowy textures and luxurious cream-filled goodness.

Nordic bakers crafted this sweet delicacy centuries ago, reimagineing simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Generations have passed down traditional techniques, ensuring each (semla) carries a story of familial love and regional pride.

Warm spices and delicate layers create a harmonious balance that elevates this treat beyond an ordinary dessert.

Generations of Swedish families have celebrated special moments with these elegant confections, turning them into more than just a simple pastry.

You’ll fall in love with the intricate blend of textures and flavors that make this dessert truly remarkable.

Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla): A Festive Treat

• Craft a Scandinavian Culinary Masterpiece: This Swedish cream bun cake transforms traditional semla into a stunning shared dessert that brings people together with its eye-catching circular design and rich cultural heritage.
• Indulge in Luxurious Texture Layers: Experience the delightful combination of soft, cardamom-infused bread, creamy almond paste, and fluffy whipped cream that creates a multi-dimensional sensory adventure in every bite.
• Celebrate Seasonal Festivity: Perfect for winter gatherings and special occasions, this cake captures the essence of Swedish baking traditions while offering a modern, shareable twist on the classic semla pastry that will impress friends and family with its elegant presentation and complex flavor profile.

Ingredients for Swedish Semla Cream Buns

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate yeast.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps develop soft texture.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and tender crumb to the bread.
• Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating light texture.
• Egg: Contributes to rich color and helps bind ingredients.
• Ground Cardamom: Traditional Swedish spice with warm, aromatic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and volume for the bread.

• Almond Paste: Creates a nutty, sweet base for the filling.
• Milk: Helps smooth out the almond paste.

• Whipped Cream: Adds light, creamy texture to the cake.
• Orange Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor accent.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives sweet finishing touch and decorative appearance.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents dough from sticking to pan.
• Beaten Egg: Used for glossy, golden brown bread surface.

How to Assemble Swedish Cream Bun Cake

Step 1: Blend Dough Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until butter melts and mixture reaches 120-130°F. Pour warm mixture over sugar and salt. Sprinkle yeast on top and wait 5 minutes until foamy.

Add egg and ground cardamom, stirring thoroughly.

Gradually incorporate flour until dough becomes manageable yet slightly sticky.

Knead dough on floured surface for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape Cake Base

Prepare 10-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.

Punch down dough and knead 2-3 times.

Shape into large ball and press into 9-inch circle.

Slice dough into 12 wedges.

Arrange wedges in circular pattern within pan.

Let rise additional 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Brush dough surface with beaten egg.

Bake 35-45 minutes until golden brown.

Cool in pan 30 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 3: Create Cake Cavities

Slice cake horizontally along wedge lines.

Position bottom wedges on serving plate.

Carefully scoop 1½-inch wide circles from wide end of each wedge.

Step 4: Prepare Almond Filling

Blend almond paste with milk in food processor until smooth.

Spoon filling into cake cavities.

Step 5: Add Whipped Cream Topping

Fold orange zest into whipped cream.

Spread cream over almond filling.

Replace cake tops.

Dust generously with powdered sugar.

Pro Tips for Light Bread and Fluffy Cream

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk temperature is between 120-130°F for optimal yeast activation, creating a soft and fluffy dough texture.
• Knead with Care: Don't overwork the dough; knead just until smooth and elastic to maintain a tender bread consistency.
• Rise in Warm Space: Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm area to help it expand properly and develop rich flavor.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover the dough with a damp cloth while rising to keep the surface moist and prevent skin formation.
• Even Baking Trick: Rotate the springform pan halfway through baking to ensure uniform golden-brown color across the entire cake.

Storage Instructions for Semla Cake

• Refrigeration: Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent cream from spoiling.
• Freezing: Carefully place the cake in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
• Reheating: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid overheating to prevent cream from separating or bread from becoming dry.

What to Drink or Eat with Semla Cake

• Brew a Swedish Coffee Companion: Pair this Swedish Cream Bun Cake with a strong, dark roast Swedish coffee like Gevalia. The robust coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness and complements its cardamom undertones.
• Select a Sweet Wine Partner: Enjoy a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, its light bubbles and honeyed notes perfectly balance the cake's rich almond and cream flavors.
• Create a Flavor-Enhancing Tea Match: Serve with a warm Earl Grey tea, its bergamot hints harmonizing beautifully with the cake's orange zest and delicate cardamom spice.
• Embrace a Swedish Digestif Tradition: Complete the experience with a small shot of aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit that cleanses the palate and honors the cake's Nordic roots.

Unique Ways to Enjoy Semla

• Nordic Spice Blend: Replace ground cardamom with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warming, aromatic variation that celebrates Scandinavian baking traditions.
• Citrus Berry Infusion: Incorporate fresh raspberries or blueberries into the whipped cream and add lemon zest instead of orange for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the rich almond base.
• Chocolate Almond Dream: Swap half the almond paste with dark chocolate ganache and sprinkle cocoa powder alongside the powdered sugar for an indulgent chocolate-lover's version of the classic Swedish cream bun cake.
• Nutty Nordic Alternative: Mix chopped toasted hazelnuts into the almond paste and garnish with crushed pistachios for added texture and a multilayered nutty experience that enhances the traditional semla cake.

Swedish Cream Bun Cake (Semla) Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Swedish semla celebrates traditional pastry perfection with delicate cardamom-spiced buns filled with almond paste and whipped cream. Rich layers of flavor invite culinary explorers to savor this classic Nordic dessert that delights senses and honors Swedish baking heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients (Bread Dough):

• 4 to 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 (0.25-ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Finishing and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 large egg (beaten, for brushing)
• ⅔ cup almond paste
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
• Powdered sugar (as desired)

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Instructions

1. Dissolve granulated sugar and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a base for the dough’s flavor foundation.
2. Gently warm milk and butter until fully integrated, reaching a precise temperature between 120-130°F to activate the yeast effectively.
3. Sprinkle yeast over the warm liquid mixture and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes, developing a frothy texture that indicates active fermentation.
4. Incorporate egg and ground cardamom into the yeast blend, infusing the dough with aromatic complexity.
5. Gradually fold in flour, adjusting the quantity to achieve a slightly tacky yet manageable dough consistency.
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead rhythmically, developing gluten strands that create a smooth, elastic texture.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it to create a nurturing environment for rising, and let it rest until it responds springily to gentle pressure.
8. Prepare a springform pan with nonstick spray, creating a perfect vessel for the cake’s transformation.
9. Deflate the risen dough and shape it into a circular form, dividing it into 12 precise wedges that will form an intricate circular pattern.
10. Allow the shaped dough to undergo a secondary rise, developing additional volume and lightness.
11. Preheat the oven, creating an optimal baking environment at 350°F.
12. Brush the dough surface with beaten egg, ensuring a golden, glossy finish during baking.
13. Bake until the cake achieves a deep amber color and reaches an internal temperature of 190°F, signaling perfect doneness.
14. Cool the baked cake thoroughly, allowing structural stabilization and flavor development.
15. Carefully slice the cake horizontally, preserving the wedge structure.
16. Delicately hollow out small cavities in each bottom wedge, creating space for the rich almond filling.
17. Blend almond paste with milk, creating a smooth, luxurious mixture that will nestle into the cake’s hollows.
18. Fill each cavity with the almond paste, establishing a rich, nutty foundation.
19. Gently fold orange zest into whipped cream, introducing a bright, citrusy note to the filling.
20. Layer the cream over the almond paste, creating a luscious, multilayered texture.
21. Reassemble the cake wedges, covering the cream filling.
22. Finish by dusting the entire cake with a delicate veil of powdered sugar, adding a final touch of sweetness and elegance.

Notes

• Mastering this Swedish treat requires patience and precise temperature control for the yeast and milk mixture.
• Kneading the dough develops gluten, creating a soft, elastic texture that’s crucial for authentic semla texture.
• Cutting the dough into wedges ensures even baking and creates a beautiful circular presentation that’s both traditional and visually appealing.
• Scooping out small cake circles allows room for the rich almond paste and whipped cream filling, balancing flavors and textures.
• Orange zest in the whipped cream adds a bright, unexpected twist to the classic semla, elevating the traditional dessert with a subtle citrus note.
• Cooling the bread completely before assembling prevents soggy layers and maintains the cake’s structural integrity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg