Swedish Cream Bun Cake

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Buns:

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, ground cardamom, dry yeast, and a pinch of salt. Add the lukewarm milk, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
4. Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into about 12-15 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun.
5. Second Rise: Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake the buns for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. Whip the Cream: In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Prepare Almond Paste: Grate or finely chop the almond paste.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Slice the Buns: Cut the tops off the cooled buns and scoop out a small portion of the inside to make room for the filling.
2. Fill the Buns: Divide the almond paste among the buns, filling each one. Then, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of the almond paste.
3. Reassemble the Buns: Place the tops back on the buns.
4. Create the Cake: Arrange the filled buns closely together on a serving plate to form a cake shape. You can do a single layer or stack them for a more impressive presentation.
5. Decorate: Cover the entire arrangement with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it out to cover the buns completely. Dust with powdered sugar and, if desired, decorate with sliced almonds.

4. Serve:

Chill the Semmeltårta in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the cake easier to slice.

Enjoy your Swedish Cream Bun Cake as a luxurious twist on the classic semla, perfect for any celebration or as a special treat to enjoy with friends and family.