Semlor

Strawberry Jam Semlor with Whipped Cream - Delicious Treats for Indulgent Moments

In a world filled with tempting desserts, semlor stand out as a true culinary gem, perfect for adding a touch of joy to every day. These fluffy pastries, filled with strawberry jam and whipped cream, are ideal for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee, transforming any ordinary moment into something special. Plus, they are easy to make, and the result is sure to impress anyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 pastries

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 1 cup milk (approximately 100 ml)
- 1 packet of dry yeast for leavened dough
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 egg (optional, but recommended)

For the filling:
- 200 g strawberry jam (you can also use peach or apricot jam for an interesting variation)
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 1 packet of instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Step by step: Making semlor

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed. If you decide to use an egg, beat it lightly in a separate bowl.

2. Adding the liquid ingredients:
In a small saucepan, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (not hot!). Add the melted butter and the egg (if using). Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. It's important to mix well to activate the yeast.

3. Let the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy, airy pastries.

4. Shaping the pastries:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball, ensuring they are uniformly shaped. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Brushing and baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. If you chose to use an egg, beat it and brush each pastry with a thin layer. If not using an egg, you can use a brush with oil for a golden appearance. Bake the pastries for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

6. Cooling and filling:
After baking, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully cut the top off each pastry and remove the inside, leaving space for the delicious jam.

7. Preparing the whipped cream:
Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm, then divide it into two bowls. In one bowl, add the instant coffee, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar, mixing well until combined.

8. Filling the pastries:
Fill each pastry with strawberry jam, then add the flavored whipped cream. Cover each pastry with the cut-off top, and optionally, you can cut small shapes from these for an elegant touch.

9. Final decoration:
Sprinkle powdered sugar or cocoa on top for added appeal. These details will make your dessert not only delicious but also visually pleasing.

My personal tip

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the strawberry jam with a mix of jams or a seasonal fruit compote. Also, feel free to experiment with various flavors for the whipped cream, such as vanilla or almond extract, to achieve an even more sophisticated taste.

Nutritional benefits

These semlor are not only delicious but also a source of energy thanks to the flour and sugar. The milk provides calcium, while the strawberry jam is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. However, it's best to consume them in moderation, considering they are a richer dessert in calories. Each pastry has approximately 210 calories, depending on the exact quantities used and the added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of jam?
Absolutely! Apricot, peach, or even a mixed jam are excellent choices.

- How can I store the pastries?
They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep the filled pastries in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Make sure to cover them well to prevent them from drying out.

- Can I freeze the pastries?
It’s better to freeze only the dough, shaped into balls, and bake them fresh when you want to serve them.

Serving suggestions

These semlor are perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but they can also be served with warm chocolate sauce on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Possible variations

For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour and substitute sugar with a natural sweetener. Additionally, you can add ingredients like chopped nuts or almonds to the dough for added texture and flavor.

No matter how you choose to prepare them, strawberry jam semlor with whipped cream will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces and will surely be a hit on any occasion. So, don’t hesitate and start treating your senses with these delicious pastries!