milk yellow buns

How to Make Classic Custard Buns: A Step-by-Step Guide

Custard buns, with their fluffy dough and sweet, creamy filling, are a beloved dim sum treat. Making them at home is simpler than you think—follow this guide to bakery-perfect results.

### Step 1: Prepare the Custard Filling

The star of the show is the smooth, fragrant custard. You’ll need: 100ml milk, 50g sugar, 1 egg yolk, 20g cornstarch, and 15g unsalted butter. Whisk all ingredients (except butter) in a saucepan until smooth. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in butter, and let cool completely. Once chilled, roll into small balls (about 1 tsp each) and set aside.

### Step 2: Make the Dough

For the soft, pillowy bun, combine 250g all-purpose flour, 2g yeast, 30g sugar, and 2g salt. Gradually add 120ml warm milk and 15g softened butter, kneading into a smooth, elastic dough (about 10 minutes). Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

### Step 3: Shape and Steam

Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a circle, wrap a custard ball inside, and pinch the seams to seal. Place the buns on parchment-lined steamer trays, leaving space for expansion. Let them rest for 15 minutes, then steam over high heat for 12-15 minutes.

### Tips for Success

- Ensure the custard filling is fully cooled to prevent soggy dough.

- Brush the buns with a little milk or oil before steaming for a glossy finish.

- Serve warm—the custard will be delightfully gooey!

With these steps, you’ll enjoy homemade custard buns that rival your favorite dim sum spot. Happy steaming!