There's something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, fluffy bun filled with creamy custard. But imagine elevating that experience with the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha. These Matcha Custard Buns aren't just a treat; they're an adventure for your taste buds. One spring, while visiting Kyoto, I stumbled upon a tiny bakery tucked away in a quiet alley. The aroma of freshly baked goods mingled with the distinct scent of matcha, and I knew I had to try whatever culinary magic was happening inside. It was there I tasted my first matcha bun, and it was pure bliss. I knew, right then, that I needed to recreate this experience at home.
Making these buns might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it's a labor of love that's well worth the effort. From kneading the soft, pillowy dough to whipping up the silky smooth matcha custard, each step is a sensory delight. The vibrant green hue of the matcha not only adds a visual appeal but also hints at the unique flavor that awaits. Plus, the process of baking is incredibly therapeutic. I find losing myself in the rhythm of kneading dough or the precise measurements of ingredients to be almost meditative, a welcome escape from the chaos of daily life. Don't stress if your first batch isn't perfect; even the best bakers have their off days! The most important thing is to enjoy the process and savor the delicious results.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist (I find lo-fi beats particularly soothing for baking sessions), and let's embark on this culinary journey together. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, these Matcha Custard Buns are sure to impress. They're perfect for a weekend brunch, a sweet afternoon snack, or even as a thoughtful gift for a friend who appreciates the finer things in life. And who knows, maybe these buns will inspire you to create your own unique flavor combinations and baking adventures. Happy baking!
Required Equipments
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Steamer
- Parchment Paper
- Stand Mixer (optional)
- Rolling Pin
Matcha Custard Bun Magic: Frequently Asked Questions
Matcha Custard Bun Magic
Dive into Matcha Custard Bun Magic! These fluffy, steamed buns are filled with a luscious matcha-infused custard, creating a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. Recreate a taste of Japan in your own kitchen with this step-by-step recipe.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed. I once forgot the salt and it was... not good.
- Add Liquids: In a separate bowl, gently warm the milk (it should be lukewarm, not hot!) and dissolve the butter into it. Add the milk mixture, egg, and matcha powder to the dry ingredients. I've found that blooming the matcha in the milk helps prevent clumps.
- Knead the Dough: If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes. Pro-tip: patience is key! The dough should pass the windowpane test—stretching a small piece of dough thinly without it tearing.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. My grandma always said the warmer the spot, the faster it rises, but don't put it *too* close to the oven!
- Prepare the Custard: While the dough is rising, make the custard. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and matcha powder until smooth. It's super important to get rid of all those lumps now, trust me.
- Cook the Custard: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a custard. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be vigilant and don’t let it burn!
- Finish the Custard: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until completely cooled. One time I forgot this step and it was a melty disaster!
- Divide the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. I like to use a kitchen scale to ensure they're all the same size.
- Shape the Buns: Flatten each piece of dough into a circle. Place a spoonful (about 1.5-2 tablespoons) of the chilled custard in the center of each circle. Bring the edges of the dough up and pinch them together tightly to seal the filling inside. Make sure there aren't any holes!
- Second Rise: Place the filled buns on squares of parchment paper. Arrange them in a steamer basket, leaving some space between each bun for expansion. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This helps them get that nice, fluffy texture.
- Steam the Buns: Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket over the pot, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Cover and steam for 12-15 minutes. Don’t peek!
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot. Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm! I like to dust mine with a little extra matcha powder for a pop of color and flavor.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 50mg
