Description
Discover the delightful flavors of a Swedish Tea Ring, a festive centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Milk (Substitute with almond milk for a non-dairy option.)
- 1/4 cup Sugar (Feel free to reduce for less sweetness.)
- 1/2 cup Warm Water (Ensure it’s comfortably warm, not hot.)
- 2 teaspoons Yeast (Active dry yeast for best results.)
- 1/4 cup Butter (softened) (Swap for vegan butter for a dairy-free treat.)
- 1 large Egg (A flax egg can be used as a vegan alternative.)
- 4 cups Flour (All-purpose flour is ideal; gluten-free blend is an option.)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom (Cinnamon can be used if cardamom is not available.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for balancing sweetness.)
- 1 cup Almond Paste (Marzipan works if almond paste isn’t available.)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Contributes sweetness and deep flavor.)
- 1 cup Almond Buttercream Frosting or Almond Glaze (Optional.)
- 1/4 cup Slivered Almonds (Omit for a nut-free option.)
- 4 pieces Maraschino Cherries (Optional festive garnish.)
Instructions
- Scald the Milk: Heat the milk gently in a saucepan until small bubbles form around the edges; let it cool slightly until it’s warm, not hot.
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast on top, and stir gently. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, remaining sugar, egg, yeast mixture, and cooled milk. Gradually add flour mixed with salt and cardamom until smooth.
- Knead the Dough: Gently knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (1–1.5 hours).
- Make Filling: In a bowl, blend almond paste, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread the almond filling over the dough, then roll it up tightly to form a log. Seal the edges and connect to form a circle.
- Cut and Shape: Using scissors, make snips along the outer edge of the ring and gently turn the pieces to create a braided look. Allow it to rise again for 1 hour.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the tea ring for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Decorate: Once cooled, drizzle with almond glaze or pipe frosting. Garnish with slivered almonds and maraschino cherries.
Notes
- Adjust sugar levels to taste.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 90 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg