Swedes love their coffee, but they also have a sweet tooth. The sweet treat everyone adores is called semla, and it’s typically enjoyed during the winter months, especially on Tuesdays, known as “Semla Day” in Sweden. Semla has a long tradition and is an integral part of Swedish culture.
What is Semla?
Semla is a sweet bun flavored with cardamom and filled with almond paste and whipped cream, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and served with hot milk or coffee.
The History of Semla
The history of Semla dates back to the Middle Ages. Initially, Semla was a simple bun made from flour, water, and yeast, which was a staple food in Sweden. However, in the 16th century, when wheat flour became more widely available, Semla started to be enriched with cream and butter, making it a luxurious treat.
During the 18th century, Semla became even more popular and was often served as a dessert at formal dinners. It was also common for people fasting in the weeks leading up to Lent to eat Semla, so it became a tradition to indulge in something sweet before the fasting period began.
Today, Semla remains the favorite sweet of Swedes and is particularly popular during the winter months. Many bakeries and cafes in Sweden offer their own versions of Semla, and there are Semla competitions held throughout the country.
How to Eat a Semla
But how do you enjoy a Semla? First, cut off the top of the bun, which should be large enough to hold the filling. Then, remove some of the interior of the bun and mix it with the almond paste and whipped cream. Finally, add the filling inside the bun, close it up, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy it with hot milk or coffee!
And if you find yourself in Sweden, don’t forget to try this delicious Swedish sweet. Trust us, it’s worth it!