There is something incredibly comforting about homemade buns filled with rich, creamy custard, especially when you can make them right on your stovetop. This Stovetop Custard Cream Buns Recipe combines soft, pillowy milk buns with a luscious vanilla custard filling, creating a treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The best part? You do not need an oven to create this delightful dessert, making it perfect for anyone looking to whip up a delicious homemade snack with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in crafting the perfect texture, taste, and appearance of these buns. From the flour that creates the soft dough to the eggs and vanilla that enrich the custard, the components come together simply yet beautifully.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose or cake flour: Provides structure and softness to the dough for that perfect milk bun texture.
- 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast: The essential leavening agent that helps the dough rise, making it light and fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and enhances the yeast activity.
- ⅓ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
- ½ cup warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon oil (canola or sunflower): Keeps the buns soft and moist after cooking.
- 1 cup milk (for custard): The base for the creamy custard filling, making it smooth and indulgent.
- 2 tablespoons white sugar (custard): Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering its delicate flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the custard to the perfect consistency for filling.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (custard): Works alongside cornstarch to stabilize the custard texture.
- 1 egg yolk: Enriches the custard, adding color and creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with warm, aromatic notes that make it irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds silkiness and a glossy finish to the custard filling.
How to Make Stovetop Custard Cream Buns Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining the yeast, sugar, salt, and flour in a large bowl. This initial mixture builds the dough base. Next, mix the warm water, milk, and oil separately, and then slowly pour them into the dry ingredients. Knead the dough for a solid 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft to the touch. Cover the dough and set it aside in a warm, draft-free area so it can rise for about an hour. This rise time is crucial for that fluffy, airy texture you’ll love in your buns.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling
While the dough rises, you can make the custard. Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and egg yolk in a saucepan until completely smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Place the pan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. This careful attention prevents the custard from sticking and ensures it thickens evenly. Once it reaches a creamy, thick consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl and cover the custard with plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface to avoid a skin forming. Let it cool completely before using.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Buns
After your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then knead it gently for about 3 minutes. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle. On one half of each circle, place about a teaspoon of the cooled custard. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal them tight. Let the filled buns rest for 15 minutes to relax the dough before cooking. This step ensures the buns stay soft and cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Buns on the Stovetop
Heat a non-stick pan on low heat. If your pan is not non-stick, place parchment paper cut to fit at the base and lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the buns in the pan, leaving a bit of space between them. Cook the buns on low heat for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side. This slow cooking keeps the buns tender and cooks the custard filling through perfectly without burning. Once done, remove from the pan and let them cool slightly.
How to Serve Stovetop Custard Cream Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling your buns with a light dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy, sweet finish that looks beautiful and enhances the flavor delicately. You can also add a touch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a flavor twist that complements the vanilla custard wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These custard cream buns pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. If you want to create a more substantial dessert platter, add fresh berries or a simple fruit salad on the side to balance the creamy richness with some light freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your buns in a rustic basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or caramel over the buns just before serving. For parties or gatherings, stack them on a tiered tray to create a charming bakery-style display that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover custard cream buns, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the buns soft and moist. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the buns unless you plan to reheat them before eating.
Freezing
You can freeze these buns for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy the buns warm, reheat them gently in a non-stick pan on low heat for a few minutes per side or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds. Gentle reheating brings back the soft texture and revives the custard’s creamy delight.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for the dough?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly fine in this recipe and will still produce soft buns, though cake flour can give a slightly lighter texture.
What if I don’t have instant yeast? Can I use active dry yeast?
You can substitute active dry yeast but be sure to activate it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding to the flour mixture to ensure proper rising.
Can I flavor the custard differently?
Absolutely! Try adding a little lemon zest, almond extract, or even a spoonful of cocoa powder for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to cover the custard with plastic wrap while cooling?
Yes, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface prevents a skin from forming, keeping it smooth and creamy for filling your buns.
Can I bake these buns instead of cooking on the stovetop?
While the recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can bake the buns in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown, but the texture will be a bit different.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so satisfying about making a homemade treat that feels both simple and special, and this Stovetop Custard Cream Buns Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Soft, tender buns wrap around smooth vanilla custard, all cooked right on your stovetop without the need for an oven. Give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your favorite comfort snacks to share with loved ones or enjoy anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Print
Stovetop Custard Cream Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 custard cream buns
Description
These Stovetop Custard Cream Buns feature soft, fluffy milk buns filled with sweet and creamy homemade custard. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop using a non-stick pan, this easy recipe combines the delightful textures of tender bread and smooth custard without needing an oven. A comforting treat ideal for breakfasts, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose or cake flour
- 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon white granulated or caster sugar
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon oil (canola or sunflower)
For the Custard Filling
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, salt, and flour. Mix the warm water, milk, and oil in a small saucepan or measuring jug. Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and soft. Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm, draft-free place.
- Prepare the Custard Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and egg yolk until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard. Remove from heat, stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, and let cool completely.
- Shape the Buns: After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead for 3 minutes. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle. Place a teaspoon of the cooled custard on one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the custard and press edges firmly to seal. Let the buns rest for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Buns Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan on low heat. If the pan is not non-stick, place a piece of parchment paper cut to fit the bottom and brush lightly with oil. Arrange the buns in the pan. Cook on low heat for 10 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use warm water (about 100°F/38°C) to activate the yeast properly for the dough rise.
- Cover the custard surface with plastic wrap tightly to prevent a skin from forming while cooling.
- If not using a non-stick pan, parchment and light oil brushing are essential to avoid sticking during cooking.
- Cooking on low heat is crucial to cook the buns through without burning the outsides.
- Optional: dust the buns with powdered sugar for a pretty and sweet finish.
- Ensure the custard has cooled before filling to avoid melting the dough excessively.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western
