Pandan Custard Breads Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 60g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 250ml (1 cup) warm milk (about 37°C or 98°F)
- 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 200ml (3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp) coconut milk
- 1 large egg yolk
- 60g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 15g (2 tbsp) cornstarch
- 1 tsp pandan extract
- 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
Instructions:
For the Bread Dough
Step 1: In your stand mixer bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Attach the dough hook, and mix on low speed until ingredients are combined.
Step 2: Gradually add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
For the Pandan Custard
Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk and pandan extract, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. Slowly whisk in the hot coconut milk mixture, a little at a time, to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and stir constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth. Allow to cool, then chill in the fridge until ready to use.
Assemble the Breads
Step 6: Punch down the risen dough to release gases. Divide it into 12 equal portions and flatten each piece into a circle. Place a spoonful of the pandan custard in the center of each circle and wrap the dough around the custard, pinching to seal.
Step 7: Place the stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the breads for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating delightful Pandan Custard Breads! With their enticing aroma and creamy filling, these buns are a perfect marriage of fragrance and flavor, carrying a comforting sweetness synonymous with tropical indulgence. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or at room temperature, and consider pairing them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Embrace this tradition and share these buns at family gatherings or serve them as an exotic element at your next brunch. Let your culinary exploration continue with the infinite possibilities that pandan and custard offer, as these enchanting flavors certainly warrant more occasions to savor.
