Skolebrod are Norwegian sweet cardamom and custard buns.

The Scandinavians love their cardamom in baked goods. And I can totally get behind that. It just works so well. These buns are extremely soft, the custard is creamy. Cardamom in the dough spices it all up and the coconut to finish is the cherry on top.

This recipe makes 6 large buns. Multiply the amount of ingredients to make more. They are quite large, so you could also divide the dough into more smaller pieces and make more buns, but smaller ones. That is up to you. I like a big bun! 🙂

Watch the video down below for detailed instructions.

Ingredients

For the dough –

250g (8.8oz) strong white bread flour

5g (0.2oz) salt

40g (1.4oz) sugar

30g (1oz) soft butter

3g (0.1oz) dry yeast or 3x the amount of fresh yeast

2g (0.07oz) ground cardamom

145g (5.1oz) cold milk

To learn more about dough temperature control click here.

For the custard –

225g (8oz) full fat milk

3 egg yolks

75g (2.6oz) sugar

30g (1oz) cornflour

7g (0.25oz) vanilla paste

For the icing –

50g (1.75oz) icing sugar

8g (0.3oz) lemon juice

50g (1.75oz) desiccated coconut

1 egg yolk mixed with 1 teaspoon of milk for brushing.

Method

1. To make the custard bring the milk up to a simmer. In a separate bowl whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour, and vanilla paste. Pour the egg yolk mix into the simmering milk whilst whisking continuously. Turn the heat down low and continue cooking the custard for 2 minutes. Pour into a bowl, cover with clingfilm so that it is touching and place in the fridge to cool down completely.
2. Mix the icing sugar with the lemon juice until smooth. Cover with cling film so that it is touching and leave on the side for later.
3. In a bowl combine the milk, yeast, salt, sugar, cardamom, and butter. Mix well to dissolve the sugar and hydrate the yeast. Add the flour and mix to a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 6 minutes. Desired dough temperature 25C (77F). If your dough is warmer, then it will ferment more rapidly. If it is cooler, then it will take longer. Adjust proofing time accordingly.
5. Cover and ferment for 1 hour.
6. Fold.
7. Ferment for 1 more hour.
8. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Preshape into balls.
9. Rest for 15 minutes.
10. Stretch the dough balls to form a hole in the middle.
11. Cover and ferment for 1 – 1.5 hours. Preheat your oven to 160C (320F) fan on.
12. Whisk the custard and place it into a piping bag.
13. Stretch the dough balls to the desired size. Place them on a non-stick paper lined tray. Brush with the egg yolk & milk mix. Pipe in the custard. Spread the custard out.
14. Bake the buns for 20 – 25 minutes.
15. Let them cool down completely.
16. Brush with the icing and dip the in the coconut.

If you love cardamom, then this one should be on your list.

Sweet, twisted, layered buns, filled with cardamom and cinnamon. They do love their cardamom in Scandinavia. And I get why. The flavour and smell are so distinct and work perfectly in baked goods. This recipe is for 6 buns. Multiply the amount of ingredients to make more.

Watch the video down below for detailed instructions.

Ingredients

For the dough –

300g (10.5oz) strong white bread flour

6g (0.2oz) salt

4g (0.15oz) dry yeast or 3x the amount of fresh yeast

50g (1.75oz) soft butter

50g (1.75oz) sugar

180g (6.3oz) cold milk

 To learn more about dough temperature control click here.

For the filling –

70g (2.5oz) soft butter

70g (2.5oz) sugar

3g (0.1oz) cinnamon

3g (0.1oz) ground cardamom

For topping –

1 egg yolk mixed with

1 teaspoon of milk for brushing

Chopped pistachios

Sugar nibs

For the glaze –

20g (0.7oz) sugar melted in

10g (0.35oz) water

Method

1. Make the filling by beating the butter, sugar, cinnamon & cardamom together. Keep on the side for later.
2. In a bowl add the milk, yeast, salt, sugar & mix to combine. Add the flour and mix to a dough.
3. Knead for 3 minutes. Add the butter & knead for another 3 minutes. Desired dough temperature 26-27C (79-80F).
4. Cover and ferment for 1 hour.
5. Fold.
6. Ferment for 1 hour.
7. Roll the dough out to a large rectangle. Spread the filling all over. Fold the dough in 3 layers. Cut into 6 strips. Cut a slit in each strip keeping the top attached. Twist around and shape into a bun. *See video!
8. Cover and ferment for 1 – 1.5 hours. During the final hour of fermentation preheat your oven to 160C (320F) fan on.
9. Brush with the egg yolk & milk, sprinkle with pistachios & sugar nibs.
10. Bake for 30 minutes.
11. Brush with the sugar glaze once ready.