Fluffy Stovetop Custard Cream Buns Recipe for Beginners

Soft, pillowy buns filled with silky stovetop custard cream will transport you to a bakery in Hong Kong.

These delectable treats blend tender dough with a luscious, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.

Making these buns requires simple ingredients and a touch of culinary magic.

The homemade custard cream emerges as the star, promising a rich and luxurious experience.

Warm, freshly steamed buns cradle the smooth custard, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Each bite delivers a comforting burst of sweetness that lingers deliciously.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that turns an ordinary afternoon into a special moment of pure indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 13

Everything in Stovetop Custard Cream Buns

• Flour: Provides the fundamental structure and texture of the buns, choose high-protein bread flour for better elasticity.
• Yeast: Magical ingredient that helps dough rise and develop a light, airy texture, ensure it's fresh and active.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness, balancing the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity, use fine-grain sea salt for even distribution.

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps create smooth dough consistency, temperature should be around 110°F.
• Milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough, whole milk gives better flavor and texture.
• Oil: Keeps dough tender and prevents sticking, neutral vegetable or olive oil works perfectly.

• Egg Yolk: Creates luxurious, creamy custard texture and provides rich, silky mouthfeel.
• Sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances its richness, use fine granulated sugar for smooth incorporation.
• Cornstarch: Thickens custard and creates stable, creamy consistency, sift to prevent lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the custard, use pure vanilla for best flavor.
• Milk: Forms the base of creamy custard, whole milk delivers most indulgent results.

Tools to Make Stovetop Custard Cream Buns

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients, kneading dough.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for heating milk and cooking custard mixture.
• Measuring jug: Helps accurately measure liquid ingredients.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Non-stick pan: Key for cooking buns evenly without sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Kitchen towel: Helps cover dough during rising process.
• Rolling pin: Useful for shaping dough into circles.

Cooking Instructions for Stovetop Custard Cream Buns

• Dough Preparation

Gather flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Warm water, milk, and oil blend together creating a liquid base. Pour gradually into dry ingredients, mixing until a cohesive mixture forms. Knead the soft dough smoothly for several minutes until it becomes elastic and supple.

• Resting Period

Cover the dough with a soft cloth and allow it to relax in a cozy, warm space. Let the mixture rise and develop flavor for about an hour, watching it transform and expand.

• Custard Creation

Gently warm milk in a small pan. Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch in a separate container. Slowly incorporate warm milk while continuously stirring. Return the mixture to the pan, cooking over medium heat until it thickens into a luxurious cream. Remove from heat and add vanilla for extra depth.

• Bun Shaping

After the dough has risen, gently press it down and reshape. Divide into equal portions and roll into delicate circles. Spoon cooled custard onto one half of each circle, then fold and seal the edges carefully.

• Cooking Process

Heat a non-stick pan on low temperature. Lightly brush with oil. Place the buns gently, cooking slowly until golden brown on each side. Once done, let them rest briefly before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delightful finishing touch.

Tips for Custard Cream Bun Perfection

• Prepare the dough and custard filling a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
• Substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a lactose-free version of these delectable buns.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top of the buns for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Drizzle melted chocolate or a light honey glaze over the baked buns for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serve Stovetop Custard Cream Buns Warm

• Breakfast Delight Pairing: Serve these warm custard buns alongside a fresh fruit smoothie or a steaming cup of coffee for a perfect morning treat that balances the creamy sweetness.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Arrange these buns on a beautiful platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for sharing during a relaxed afternoon tea gathering with friends or family.
• Dessert Transformation: Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the buns, turning them into an elegant dessert that can be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Picnic Pack-Along: Wrap these portable buns individually in parchment paper for a delightful outdoor snack during picnics, road trips, or as a quick grab-and-go breakfast option.

How to Store Custard Cream Buns

• Freshness First: Store these delightful custard buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring they remain soft and delectable.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When keeping buns longer, place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Gently warm them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to restore their original warmth and texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual buns in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These tasty treats can stay frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly for a fresh-from-the-pan experience.
• Smart Meal Prep: Prepare the custard and dough ahead of time. Store the custard in the refrigerator for 2 days, and keep the dough wrapped tightly in the fridge for 24 hours. This strategy allows for quick and convenient bun assembly when hunger strikes.

Silky Stovetop Custard Cream Buns Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic Chinese stovetop custard cream buns offer delightful comfort with silky filling and pillowy dough. Sweet pastry lovers relish this authentic treat that connects culinary heritage with delicious satisfaction you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose or cake flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp instant dry yeast
• 1 tbsp white granulated or castor sugar
• 2 tbsps sugar (for custard)
• ½ cup (120 mL/milliliters) warm water
• ½ cup (120 mL/milliliters) milk
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp canola or sunflower oil
• ⅓ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Blend flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a solid dry foundation.
2. Liquid Integration: Warm milk, water, and oil, then seamlessly fold into dry ingredients to form a unified dough mixture.
3. Kneading Process: Energetically work the dough for 5-7 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency with a silky sheen.
4. First Fermentation: Cover dough with a clean cloth, allowing it to rise in a warm, draft-free zone for approximately one hour until doubled in volume.
5. Custard Creation: Gently heat milk in a saucepan, then whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl to form a velvety custard base.
6. Custard Development: Gradually stream warm milk into egg mixture, continuously whisking, then return to saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture transforms into a thick, pudding-like consistency.
7. Custard Finishing: Remove from heat, incorporate vanilla extract, and allow custard to cool completely to room temperature.
8. Dough Shaping: Deflate risen dough with gentle kneading, divide into 12 equal portions, and roll each into perfect circles.
9. Filling and Sealing: Position a generous custard dollop on one half of each dough circle, fold carefully, and seal edges completely.
10. Proofing and Cooking: Let assembled buns rest for 15 minutes, then cook in a lightly oiled non-stick pan over low heat, flipping midway to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration.
11. Final Touches: Transfer cooked buns to a cooling rack and optionally dust with a delicate layer of powdered sugar before serving warm.

Notes

• Dough Hydration Tip: Gradually add warm liquid to flour mixture for smoother, more elastic dough texture that prevents clumping.
• Custard Consistency Check: Continuously whisk milk and egg mixture to avoid lumps and achieve silky, pudding-like custard without curdling.
• Low Heat Cooking Technique: Maintain gentle, low heat when pan-frying buns to ensure even golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Proofing Patience: Allow dough and filled buns to rest in warm area, which develops deeper flavor and ensures soft, fluffy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 3.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg