Recipe

Maasai Coconut Bun

Savory Coconut Delight: Maasai Coconut Bun Recipe

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Maasai cuisine with this delightful recipe for Maasai Coconut Bun. This traditional dish from the Maasai tribe combines the richness of coconut with the softness of a bun, creating a unique and flavorful treat.

Sweet Bread› Cocktail Bun

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Hong Kong cuisine

African cuisine› East African cuisine› Maasai cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

15-20 minutes

Total time

1 hour 40 minutes

Yields

6 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour)

Allergens

Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter)

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains butter), Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein

Ingredients

The Maasai Coconut Bun is an adaptation of the original Hong Kong Cocktail Bun. While the original bun is sweet and filled with a coconut paste, the Maasai version focuses on the natural flavors of coconut by incorporating coconut milk into the dough. Additionally, the Maasai Coconut Bun is toasted to enhance the coconut aroma and give it a unique Maasai twist. We alse have the original recipe for Cocktail Bun, so you can check it out.

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk
2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup (30g) desiccated coconut 1/4 cup (30g) desiccated coconut

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 6g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 10g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2.
In a separate bowl, mix the coconut milk, melted butter, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast activates.
3.
Pour the coconut milk mixture into the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms.
4.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6.
Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into buns.
7.
Roll each bun in desiccated coconut, ensuring they are evenly coated.
8.
Place the buns on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
Desiccated coconut — Toast the desiccated coconut in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown for a more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For a sweeter version, you can add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough.
Experiment with different toppings such as sesame seeds or chopped nuts for added texture.
Serve the Maasai Coconut Buns warm for the best taste and texture.
If you prefer a softer bun, brush the tops with melted butter after baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Maasai Coconut Buns as a delightful breakfast or snack. They are best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Maasai Coconut Buns on a platter, showcasing their golden brown color and toasted coconut coating. Serve them alongside a traditional Maasai tea set for an authentic presentation.