Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Swedish Tea Ring Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 38 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Swedish Tea Ring is a beautifully braided, sweet yeast bread filled with a rich almond paste mixture, spiced with cardamom, and topped with a luscious buttercream frosting or a simple almond glaze. Perfect for tea time or special occasions, this recipe makes a stunning centerpiece with its delicate nutty flavor and tender crumb.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup almond paste (or one full block)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened

Frosting or Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened (for frosting only)
  • 1-3 teaspoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • Slivered almonds
  • Maraschino cherries, drained

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Heat the milk until scalding and then let it cool slightly. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water, stir in the yeast, and let it bubble to activate.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, the remaining sugar, and the egg. Add the yeast mixture and the cooled scalded milk.
  3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and ground cardamom. Gradually add this flour mixture into the wet ingredients until the dough is no longer sticky and easy to handle.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough until smooth, about 5 minutes, using your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean dish towel, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Make the filling: While the dough rises, combine the almond paste, brown sugar, and softened butter in a small bowl. Break the almond paste into small pieces for easier mixing.
  6. Shape the dough: Once risen, roll the dough out into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Drop small mounds of the almond filling evenly over the dough; it will be thick and not spread easily, so use small dollops.
  7. Form the ring: Roll the dough tightly lengthwise into a log. Place this log on an ungreased baking sheet or parchment paper, then shape it into a circle.
  8. Cut and twist: Use kitchen scissors to make cuts two-thirds of the way through the ring at 1-inch intervals. Turn each cut section slightly onto its side to expose the filling and create the distinctive braided look.
  9. Second rise: Let the shaped dough rise again until doubled, about 1 hour.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the tea ring for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  11. Cool: Remove the tea ring from the oven and allow it to cool completely before decorating.
  12. Prepare the buttercream frosting (optional): In a small bowl, blend the powdered sugar, softened butter, 2 to 3 teaspoons milk, and almond extract until smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled tea ring using a pastry bag with a star tip if desired.
  13. Prepare the glaze (optional): Alternatively, mix powdered sugar, 3 teaspoons milk, and almond extract until smooth with no lumps. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled tea ring.
  14. Decorate: Sprinkle slivered almonds over the frosting or glaze and garnish with drained maraschino cherries for a festive finishing touch.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is cooled after scalding to avoid killing the yeast during mixing.
  • If you prefer a denser bread, use the higher amount of flour; use the lower amount for a softer dough.
  • Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading if available.
  • The almond paste should be cut into small pieces before mixing to make the filling smooth.
  • Let the dough rise fully both times for a tender, airy texture.
  • Decorate only after the tea ring has completely cooled to prevent frosting or glaze from melting.
  • Slivered almonds add a nice texture contrast and enhanced nutty flavor.
  • Maraschino cherries provide a colorful and sweet decorative accent but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/swedish-tea-ring-recipe/