Delightful Custard Buns: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delightful and fluffy pastry, look no further than Custard Buns. These delectable buns are a popular treat in many cultures and are known for their soft, pillowy texture and sweet custard filling. With a few simple steps, you can create these mouthwatering buns at home to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Custard Filling:
- 1/8 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
For the Milk Bread:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
Making the Custard Filling:
- Sift together the cornstarch and flour. Whisk the beaten eggs into the flour mixture until the powders are dissolved.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, sugar, and salt. Once the sugar and salt are dissolved, add in the egg mixture and keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a paste consistency.
Making the Milk Bread:
- Combine the milk and cream in a large microwaveable bowl and heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until it reaches 115°F (46°C).
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the ingredients in the following order: cream and milk mixture, egg, sugar, flour, yeast, and salt. Attach the dough hook and mix on low to initially wet the dry ingredients.
- Increase the speed to medium and run the mixer for 15 more minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally.
- After about 7-10 minutes of mixing, you will notice the dough gathering into the center and attaching itself to the dough hook. If the dough looks like it’s not coming together, add a little flour (about half a teaspoon at a time) until it does. You can add up to two tablespoons of flour.
- As you approach the 15-minute mark, you should hear the dough slapping against the sides of the bowl, indicating it’s ready for proofing.
- Form the dough into a ball, place it in a floured bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Grease a baking pan with butter.
- After the dough has risen, return it to the mixer with the dough hook and mix on medium for an additional 5 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap one half in plastic for future use, and divide the other half into ten equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a ball and flatten it into a 4-5 inch disc.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of the custard filling into the center of each disc, then wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges underneath.
- Place the assembled buns in the greased baking pan, leaving about an inch of space between them.
- Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for another hour, or until doubled in size.
- After the buns have risen, use the remaining custard filling to pipe circular patterns on top of them.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make an egg wash by beating together 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 egg, then brush the surface of the buns with it.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a thermometer registers 200°F (93°C).
- Allow the Custard Buns to cool slightly before enjoying. Leftovers can be stored in a covered container at room temperature and reheated in the microwave for 10-12 seconds if desired.
These Custard Buns are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet ending to any meal. Their fluffy texture and sweet custard filling make them irresistible, and making them from scratch is a rewarding experience that will impress your taste buds and your loved ones. Give this recipe a try and savor the homemade goodness of Custard Buns!
