Cream buns are soft, fluffy pastries filled with sweet whipped cream or custard, making them a delightful dessert or snack. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make these delicious treats at home!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Chocolate or caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Buns
- Punch Down: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air.
- Divide: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the edges underneath to create a smooth top.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped buns on a greased baking sheet, spaced apart. Cover them again and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the buns are rising.
5. Bake the Buns
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
6. Prepare the Cream Filling
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Chill: Keep the whipped cream refrigerated until ready to use.
7. Assemble the Cream Buns
- Cut Buns: Once the buns are cool, cut a slit or a small top off each bun to create space for the filling.
- Fill with Cream: Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each bun generously with the whipped cream.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Dust the filled buns with powdered sugar and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce if desired. Serve fresh and enjoy!
Tips
- Flavor Variations: Add a bit of cocoa powder to the cream for chocolate-flavored filling or mix in fruit puree for fruity variations.
- Storage: Store any leftover cream buns in the refrigerator for a day or two for the best taste.
Enjoy your homemade cream buns as a delightful dessert or a special treat for gatherings!