Pineapple Bun with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup (120g) custard filling 1/2 cup (120g) custard filling
• 1 egg yolk, for egg wash 1 egg yolk, for egg wash

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm milk and mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Add the softened butter and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions.
6. 6.
   Take each portion and flatten it with your hands. Place a spoonful of custard filling in the center and seal the edges, shaping it into a bun.
7. 7.
   Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
8. 8.
   Brush the buns with the beaten egg yolk for a shiny golden crust.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Custard filling — Ensure the custard filling is thick and chilled before using it as a filling. This will prevent it from leaking out during baking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced pineapple flavor, you can add a small amount of pineapple extract to the custard filling.
• If you prefer a sweeter bun, you can sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of the buns before baking.
• To achieve a softer crust, cover the buns with a damp cloth immediately after removing them from the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Pineapple Buns warm for the best experience. They can be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast treat or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Pineapple Buns on a serving platter, showcasing their golden crust and crisscross pattern. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.