Name: Cardamom and Raspberry Swedish Buns Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 250ml milk; 2 × 7g sachets yeast; 1 tsp ground cardamom seeds (ready-ground or crushed from pods); 2 eggs; 750g strong bread flour; 75g softened butter; 75g soft brown sugar; 100g softened butter; 1 tsp ground cardamom seeds; 75g soft brown sugar; 150g frozen raspberries (leave them frozen); 1 beaten egg (for brushing); Pearled or demerara sugar (for sprinkling); Remaining butter (to brush after baking)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 262 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a truly delightful pastry that bursts with warm spice and vibrant fruitiness, look no further than this Cardamom and Raspberry Swedish Buns Recipe. These buns combine the intoxicating aroma of ground cardamom with juicy raspberries tucked inside soft, buttery dough, creating a treat that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special coffee break, these Swedish buns are a perfect way to add charm and flavor to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a smooth surface is placed at the bottom left on a white marbled texture. To the left of the bowl, there is a beige and white striped cloth. Above the bowl is a small glass bowl filled with a white powdery substance. Next to it, a silver measuring spoon filled with a smaller amount of white salt lies flat. To the top right of the bowl, two stacked white plates with dark blue rings hold a pale yellow block of butter. To the right of the plates, a single brown egg sits directly on the surface. Below the egg, a silver scoop heaped with white flour rests horizontally. In the bottom center area, a small metal cup with white granules is placed near a clear glass bottle filled with milk. To the right of the bottle, a white marble mortar and pestle holds ground black pepper, with the pestle resting inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Cardamom and Raspberry Swedish Buns Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the rich creaminess of butter to the bright tartness of raspberries, each component plays an essential role in crafting these irresistible buns.

250ml milk: Helps create a tender, soft dough by adding moisture and richness.
2 × 7g sachets yeast: The magic agent that makes your dough rise, airy and fluffy.
1 tsp of ground cardamom seeds: Provides a wonderfully warm, citrusy spice that is signature to Swedish baking.
2 eggs: Adds structure and moisture, enhancing the dough’s softness and color.
750g strong bread flour: Gives the dough strength and chew, perfect for holding the filling.
75g softened butter: Incorporated into the dough to enrich its texture and flavor.
75g soft brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel sweetness to the dough.
100g softened butter (for filling): The base for a luscious, fragrant filling.
1 tsp of ground cardamom seeds (for filling): Infuses the filling with fragrant spice, highlighting the berries.
75g soft brown sugar (for filling): Balances the tartness of raspberries with caramel notes.
150g frozen raspberries: Bursts with juicy brightness as they bake, ensuring every bite holds some berry goodness.
1 beaten egg (for brushing): Creates a golden, shiny crust for perfect presentation.
Pearled or demerara sugar (for sprinkling): Adds crunch and sparkle to the tops of the buns.

How to Make Cardamom and Raspberry Swedish Buns Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by warming the milk until just below boiling, then let it cool until warm enough to activate the yeast—this is key for a good rise. Stir in the yeast along with the cardamom seeds and eggs to blend in all the flavors and textures. Combine the strong bread flour with this liquid mixture in a stand mixer or large bowl, then add the softened butter and brown sugar. Knead the dough with a dough hook or your hands until it becomes soft, springy, and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when a gentle finger press springs back easily. Cover the dough and leave it to double in size, which usually takes about an hour and is critical for that light, airy texture.

Step 2: Rolling and Filling

Once your dough has risen beautifully, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1cm thick. Now for the indulgent part: mix the softened butter, cardamom, and brown sugar to create a fragrant filling, then spread it evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the frozen raspberries on top, pressing them gently into the butter and sugar mixture so they stay nestled inside as the dough rolls. Roll the dough tightly along the long edge, then pinch the seam closed to seal all those delicious fillings inside. Slice the roll into 16 equal pieces and place each in paper bun or muffin cases, or arrange on a lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let the buns rest for another 30 minutes to puff up before baking.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C, gas mark 7). Brush the buns with beaten egg to achieve a gorgeous golden color and sprinkle with pearled or demerara sugar for that irresistible sparkle and crunch on top. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they are beautifully browned and smelling heavenly. Just as they come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining melted butter and add a little more sugar to finish. This last touch gives the buns a glossy, sticky finish and an extra hint of sweetness that’s just divine.

How to Serve Cardamom and Raspberry Swedish Buns Recipe

The image shows two small spiral pastries on white paper cups placed on a white marbled surface. One pastry is whole and golden brown with a visible purple filling inside the spiral, and it has a light dusting of sugar on top. The other pastry next to it is partially eaten, revealing the soft, light inside with some purple filling. There is a wooden brush with light brown bristles near the pastries, resting on the surface. The white marbled background adds a clean look to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Cardamom and Raspberry Swedish Buns Recipe truly stand out, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or adding a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche on the side. Fresh cardamom pods or a few extra raspberries can be scattered around the platter for a charming, rustic look that highlights the key flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These buns pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a strong black tea, balancing sweetness and spice effortlessly. For a more substantial spread, try serving them alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt or a tangy fruit compote for added creaminess and brightness that complements the raspberries perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these buns in a pretty tiered cake stand for a special occasion or place them individually on small plates with a drizzle of raspberry sauce. Wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine makes for an adorable homemade gift. They also work beautifully as part of a Scandinavian-inspired brunch table alongside other baked goodies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (and you might!), store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their softness and flavor for up to two days, making them a perfect next-day treat that tastes just as delightful.

Freezing

These Swedish buns freeze beautifully before baking or after cooling. To freeze before baking, arrange the cut buns in cases on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or container. When ready, allow to thaw and rise again before baking. For freezing after baking, wrap cooled buns tightly in cling film and place in a freezer bag—reheat as needed to enjoy fresh warmth whenever you want.

Reheating

Reheat buns gently in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 5–7 minutes to revive their fresh-baked softness and warmth. Alternatively, pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to overheat or they may become chewy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh raspberries can be used if they are in season and ripe. Just be gentle when spreading them on the dough to avoid making the filling too wet, which can affect the dough’s texture.

What is the best way to crush cardamom seeds?

You can crush cardamom seeds using a mortar and pestle for the freshest and most fragrant result. Alternatively, breaking them open and grinding them finely with a spice grinder works well too.

Can I make these buns vegan?

With a few substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer for the egg wash, you can absolutely create a vegan version of this recipe. The flavor and aroma will still shine through beautifully.

How long can I leave the dough to rise?

The dough normally doubles in size within about an hour, but if your kitchen is cool, it may take longer. Don’t rush this step as the rise is key to light, fluffy buns.

Can I add other berries or fruits to this recipe?

Yes! While raspberries are classic here, blueberries, blackberries, or even finely chopped apples can be swapped in to mix things up or customize the flavor to your liking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making the Cardamom and Raspberry Swedish Buns Recipe from scratch—the way the kitchen fills with that warm cardamom scent and the joy of biting into soft, berry-filled dough. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these buns are sure to become a treasured favorite. So grab your ingredients and get baking; you won’t regret inviting these Swedish beauties into your home!

Cardamom and Raspberry Swedish Buns Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need