Soft, pillowy buns filled with a rich and creamy custard, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. These delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet snack. With a tender, lightly sweetened dough and a luscious vanilla custard filling, these buns are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture – The perfectly kneaded dough creates light and airy buns.
- Rich, creamy custard filling – A smooth, vanilla-infused custard makes every bite indulgent.
- No oven required – These buns are cooked on a stovetop, making them quick and easy.
- Perfect for any time of day – Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a satisfying snack.
- Make-ahead friendly – The custard and dough can be prepared in advance for convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Instant yeast
- Salt
- Warm milk
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Egg
For the custard filling:
- Milk
- Egg yolks
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
For dusting:
- Powdered sugar
Directions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the custard filling: In a saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add the warm milk while whisking to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter, and let cool completely.
- Shape the buns: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of custard in the center of each piece, fold over, and seal the edges tightly. Let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
- Cook the buns: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Cook each bun for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time)
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 280 kcal
Variations
- Baked version: Instead of cooking on a pan, bake the buns at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Chocolate custard: Replace vanilla extract with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate filling.
- Fruit-filled: Add a spoonful of fruit jam along with the custard for a fruity twist.
- Coconut custard: Swap regular milk for coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
- Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios over the buns before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled dough for up to 2 months. Thaw before shaping and filling.
- Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a pan over low heat.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
How do I prevent the custard from being too runny?
Make sure to cook it over low heat while stirring constantly until it thickens. Allow it to cool completely before using.
Can I use store-bought custard?
Yes, pre-made custard can be used if you are short on time.
What if my dough does not rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the dough is placed in a warm environment to rise properly.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you will need to activate it in warm milk with sugar for 10 minutes before adding the flour.
Do these buns need to be refrigerated?
If not consumed within a few hours, refrigerate them due to the custard filling.
Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks for the custard?
Whole eggs will result in a slightly different texture, but it will still work.
Can I fill the buns after cooking instead?
Yes, you can cut a small slit and pipe custard into the cooked buns.
How can I make the buns extra soft?
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
Can I make these buns without butter?
Yes, but butter enhances the flavor and softness of the dough. Substitute with a neutral oil if needed.
Conclusion
Easy Custard Cream Buns are a delightful combination of soft, pillowy bread and creamy, sweet custard. Whether served warm for breakfast or as a comforting snack, these homemade buns offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Try them today for a delicious treat that is both simple and satisfying!
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PrintEasy Custard Cream Buns
Soft, pillowy buns filled with a rich and creamy custard, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. These delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet snack!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, European Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
For the custard filling:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
For dusting:
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
-
Make the dough
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Prepare the custard
- In a saucepan, heat milk until warm.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add warm milk while whisking to temper the eggs.
- Return to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, and let cool completely.
-
Shape the buns
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of custard in the center of each.
- Fold over and seal the edges.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes.
-
Cook the buns
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
- Cook each bun for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Ensure the custard is fully cooled before filling the buns to prevent leaks.
- For extra softness, brush the buns with melted butter after cooking.
- These buns can also be baked at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes.