Recipe: Custard Bun

An absolute favourite on the dim sum carts, custard bun is a dish that is very hearty and just sweet and creamy enough for a dessert. Also known as milk yolk bun, custard bun is made with yeast dough and then steamed, causing the bun to be super soft and spongy with a smooth surface. The custard filling is creamy and sweet, and it melts in your mouth when served warm.

This bun is proper to be served as a breakfast item, an afternoon tea snack, or as a side dish during dinner. Why not try making some at home with our custard bun recipe below, and decide for yourself what time of the day you would want to enjoy this delicious bun!

Ingredients (12 buns):

• FILLINGS
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup wheat starch
  • ¼ cup dried milk powder
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
• DOUGH
  • 1 tsp yeast
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp milk, add1 tbsp at a time

Preparation Method:

i. FILLING

1. Heat some water (2 inch deep) in a large and deep pot. Once the water boils, turn the heat to down to a simmer.
2. In a large stand mixer mixing bowl, add the eggs and powdered sugar. Beat for a minute on low. Next, add the milk and heavy cream, and beat for a few seconds to combine. Then sift in the flour, starch, and dried milk powder. Mix everything in until no lumps. Then add in the melted butter, and stir to combine.
3. Carefully lower the mixing bowl into the pan of water, and begin stirring the mixture fast and continuously. Once the egg mixture solidifies into a thick custard, remove from the heat. Let it cool completely.
4. Cover the custard to prevent it from drying out while you make the dough.

ii. DOUGH

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in ¼ cup of warm water. Let sit for around 10 minutes or until you see yeast bubbles floating on top of the water.
2. Add in the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and coconut milk. Turn on the mixture with the dough hook attachment and set it to low, then slowly add in the regular milk, one tablespoon at a time until a dough is formed. A perfect dough should not stick to your hands or to the bowl.
3. Cover the dough with a dry kitchen towel, and let it proof for 1 hour in a warm setting.
4. Equally divide the egg custard filling into 12 pieces and roll them in your palms to form round balls. Cover them to prevent them from drying out.
5. Prepare the steamer. Start steaming with cold water. Cut out twelve 4″x4″ pieces of parchment paper.
6. Once the dough has finished proofing (about 2½-3 times its original size), put it back in the mixer and let it go for another 2-3 minutes to get rid of any air bubbles.
7. Transfer the dough to a clean and lightly floured surface. Equally divide the dough into 12 pieces, and cover with a dry kitchen towel while you assemble the buns. Take one dough ball, roll it out into a 4-inch disc. Put a ball of custard filling on top, pleat, and close the top of the bun. Place it on a piece of pre-cut parchment paper, and set it on your steaming rack. Repeat until all of the buns are assembled.
8. Put the buns in the steamer, covered with the lid. Let them sit and proof for another 15 minutes. Then, turn the heat on and set it to medium. Set your timer for 12 minutes. The medium heat will slowly bring the water to a boil and steam the buns.
9. After the 12-minute timer goes off, set the timer for another 5 minutes and turn off the heat. Enjoy!

There you have it, the recipe for a fresh homemade custard bun! Remember to eat them while they’re still hot, just like how you would at a dim sum restaurant. Besides custard bun, check out our recipe for Putu Piring as well! 

However, if you find it too much of a hassle to prepare your own buns when the craving strikes, you can always order via foodpanda and have them delivered right to you. Dine with foodpanda today!