If you are looking for a soft, sweet, and utterly irresistible treat, the Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe is an absolute must-try. These fluffy buns envelop a luscious, sweetened red bean paste that melts in your mouth with every bite. The combination of creamy milk-infused dough and the subtly nutty red bean filling creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making these buns a beloved classic in many households. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a snack with tea, this recipe brings comfort and delight to the table like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieve that soft, tender crumb and rich flavor in the buns. Each component plays an important role—flour for structure, milk and cream for moisture and tenderness, and the sweet red bean paste as the star filling.
- Bread flour: Provides the perfect protein content for a chewy yet soft bun texture.
- Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to the dough and helps yeast fermentation.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Instant yeast: Essential for that beautiful rise and airy texture.
- Milk powder (optional): Improves tenderness and gives a slight richness to the dough.
- Whole milk (warm): Hydrates and enriches the dough for a smooth softness.
- Heavy cream (warm): Adds extra moisture and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Egg: Provides structure and contributes to the dough’s rich color.
- Sweetened red bean paste: The sweet, creamy filling that completes these buns.
- Egg yolk (for topping): Creates a shiny, golden crust after baking.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and milk powder in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Gradually add the warm whole milk, heavy cream, and egg, kneading on low speed. After about 10 minutes, your dough should be tacky but not overly sticky—this balance ensures your buns come out fluffy and tender. Cover the dough and let it rise for about two hours until it doubles in size, developing the perfect airy base.
Step 2: Divide and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, divide it into nine equal portions and shape each into smooth balls. This portioning is key for uniform buns that bake evenly. Cover the dough balls loosely to prevent drying out while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Fill the Buns with Red Bean Paste
Flatten each dough ball gently with your hands, creating a small disk. Spoon about a quarter cup of sweetened red bean paste into the center of each one. Carefully fold the edges over the filling, pinching to seal completely, then reshape into a smooth ball. Proper sealing ensures the filling stays beautifully encased during baking.
Step 4: Arrange and Add Final Touches
Place the filled buns seam side down on a lined baking sheet. For a lovely visual flair, you can make gentle slits or cuts on top to create a flower-like design. This decorative step is optional but adds a charming touch to your homemade buns.
Step 5: Second Rise and Preheat
Let the buns rest and rise once more for 30 minutes to an hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This second rise is crucial for achieving that soft, pillowy texture and full volume.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of the buns with an egg yolk wash, which will give them a shiny, golden glaze when baked. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a subtle crunch and nutty aroma. Bake for about 20 minutes until the buns turn a warm golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they smell heavenly and have a springy feel when gently pressed.
How to Serve Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust the buns lightly with powdered sugar or brush with a thin layer of honey after baking to amplify their sweet allure. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only boosts flavor but elevates the texture, making your buns look and taste irresistible.
Side Dishes
Red Bean Milk Buns pair beautifully with a warm cup of green tea or jasmine tea, both of which complement the sweet, creamy filling without overpowering it. They’re also fantastic alongside a light fruit salad or a cooling yogurt dip for a balanced snack or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these buns in a bamboo steamer basket for an authentic touch and keep them warm during parties. Slice a bun in half and add a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delightful variation. You can also turn them into a dessert by serving with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Red Bean Milk Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their softness, placing a slice of bread inside the container helps retain moisture. These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be safely stored for a short period without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the buns at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. For a crispier crust, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This method revives their fresh-baked quality beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use canned red bean paste for this Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned or store-bought sweetened red bean paste works wonderfully for this recipe. Just ensure it’s sweetened to your liking and has a smooth texture for easy filling.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the dough?
While optional, heavy cream adds richness and tenderness to the dough, making the buns extra soft and flavorful. You can substitute it with more milk if needed, but the texture might be slightly different.
Can I make this dough without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It will require a bit more elbow grease—about 15 minutes—until the dough is smooth and elastic, but the results are just as rewarding.
How do I know when the buns are fully baked?
The buns should have a golden brown color and a springy touch when pressed lightly. An internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) also indicates they are perfectly baked through.
Can I use this recipe to make other filled buns?
Definitely! This versatile dough works great with various fillings like custard, chocolate, or savory options such as minced pork or vegetables. The Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe is a fantastic base for any creative bun filling you desire.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites smiles all around. The soft, milky dough paired with sweet red bean paste is a comforting combination you won’t forget. I can’t wait for you to experience how rewarding it is to make these buns from scratch—grab your ingredients and get ready to create a favorite snack that will surely become a staple in your recipe collection!
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Red Bean Milk Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 buns
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Bean Milk Buns are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet buns filled with smooth, sweetened red bean paste. Perfect for a delightful snack or dessert, these buns combine rich dairy ingredients with traditional Asian flavors, baked to a golden brown finish with a glossy egg wash and sesame seed topping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon milk powder (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (warm)
- 1 egg
Filling
- 18 ounces sweetened red bean paste
Topping
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix and Knead the Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and milk powder if using. Gradually add warm whole milk, heavy cream, and the egg while mixing. Knead on low speed for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes tacky but not sticky. Cover and allow the dough to rise for about 2 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Divide and Shape Dough Balls: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 9 equal pieces. Shape each piece into smooth balls and cover loosely to prevent drying out.
- Fill the Buns: Flatten each dough ball into a disc and place approximately 1/4 cup of sweetened red bean paste in the center. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching edges together to seal it completely, then reshape into a smooth ball.
- Prepare for Proofing: Place the filled buns seam side down on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Optionally, make a few shallow slits on the top of each bun to create a decorative flower shape.
- Second Rise: Let the buns rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a warm place while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Mix the egg yolk with whole milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the buns evenly, then sprinkle sesame seeds on each. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Notes
- Ensure the milk and cream are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you prefer a lighter bun, bread flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour, but texture may vary.
- The red bean paste should be smooth and sweetened; adjust sweetness according to preference.
- For a shiny, more golden crust, make sure to thoroughly brush the egg wash on the buns.
- These buns are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
