Introduction to Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns
Welcome to the delightful world of baking! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns. These fluffy, sweet treats are not just a feast for the eyes but also a comforting hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a quick solution for a busy day, these buns are perfect. Imagine biting into a warm, custard-filled bun, coated in crunchy cornflakes. It’s a little piece of heaven that brings joy to any occasion. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns
These Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns are a delightful blend of ease and flavor. They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days or spontaneous gatherings. The fluffy texture paired with the rich custard filling is simply irresistible. Plus, the crunchy cornflake coating adds a fun twist that kids and adults alike will adore. Trust me, once you try these buns, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients for Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns
Let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns! Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread flour: This is the backbone of our buns, giving them that fluffy structure. You can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the flavor of the buns. Feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Instant yeast: This magical ingredient makes our buns rise beautifully. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Warm milk: It activates the yeast and adds moisture. Ensure it’s warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Egg: This adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives the buns a tender crumb. You can use margarine as a substitute if you prefer.
- Whole milk (for custard): This creamy base is essential for a rich custard filling. You can use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Egg yolks (for custard): They add richness and color to the custard. For a lighter custard, you can use just one yolk.
- Sugar (for custard): Sweetens the custard filling. Adjust to your taste!
- Cornstarch (for custard): This thickens the custard, giving it that luscious texture.
- Unsalted butter (for custard): A little bit of butter adds a silky finish to the custard.
- Vanilla extract (for custard): This adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the custard beautifully.
- Beaten egg (for egg wash): This gives the buns a lovely golden color when baked.
- Crushed cornflakes (for coating): The star of the show! They provide that delightful crunch on the outside.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Now, let’s get ready to bake these scrumptious buns!
How to Make Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Let’s kick things off by preparing the dough for our Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. This mix is the foundation of our fluffy buns. Next, add the warm milk and egg. Stir everything together until it forms a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it feels a bit messy; that’s just the magic of baking at work!
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Now it’s time to knead! Transfer the sticky dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth and elastic. It should bounce back when you poke it gently. This step is crucial for developing that lovely texture we all crave in our buns!
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. This keeps the warmth in, allowing the dough to rise. Let it sit for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This rising time is essential for creating those fluffy, airy buns we love!
Step 4: Make the Custard
While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that delicious custard filling! Start by heating the whole milk in a saucepan until it’s steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add the hot milk to the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until it thickens. Finally, stir in the butter and vanilla extract, then cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to fill the buns!
Step 5: Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape our buns! Punch down the dough gently to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and flatten each piece into a disk. Spoon a generous amount of custard into the center of each disk. Carefully pinch the edges together to seal the custard inside. Roll each bun gently to smooth out the shape. This step is where the magic happens, as we create little pockets of custard goodness!
Step 6: Coat and Bake
Now for the fun part! Preheat your oven while you prepare the buns for baking. Brush each bun with the beaten egg for that golden finish. Then, roll them in crushed cornflakes until they’re well coated. This crunchy layer is what makes these buns so special! Place the coated buns on a parchment-lined tray and let them proof for another 30 to 40 minutes. Finally, bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden and crisp. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Tips for Success
- Always use fresh yeast for the best rise in your buns.
- Don’t skip the rising time; it’s crucial for fluffy texture.
- For a richer custard, consider adding an extra egg yolk.
- Let the buns cool slightly before serving to enhance their texture.
- Experiment with different toppings, like sprinkles or chocolate chips!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy pot can work in a pinch.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing dry and wet ingredients. A fork can also do the job.
- Rolling pin: Useful for shaping the dough. You can use a wine bottle if you don’t have one.
- Baking tray: A parchment-lined tray for baking. Any flat oven-safe dish will suffice.
- Plastic wrap: To cover the custard and dough. A clean kitchen towel works too!
Variations
- Chocolate Custard: Swap out the vanilla for chocolate extract and add cocoa powder to the custard for a rich twist.
- Fruit-Filled Buns: Instead of custard, fill the buns with your favorite fruit preserves or fresh fruit for a refreshing change.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped nuts into the cornflake coating for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these buns suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and butter for a delicious vegan treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve them warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Present them on a colorful platter to brighten up your table.
FAQs about Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. This way, you’ll save time when you’re ready to bake your Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns!
What can I use instead of cornflakes for coating?
If you’re looking for alternatives, crushed graham crackers or panko breadcrumbs can work well. They’ll give a different texture but still add that delightful crunch to your buns!
How do I store leftover buns?
To keep your Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just thaw and reheat before serving!
Can I use a different filling?
Definitely! While custard is delicious, feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even a savory option like cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Why did my buns not rise properly?
There could be a few reasons for this. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk was warm, not hot. Also, make sure to give the dough enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free area. Patience is key for those fluffy buns!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns is more than just a culinary task; it’s a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. Each bite offers a perfect balance of fluffy dough, rich custard, and a satisfying crunch from the cornflakes. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them solo, these buns bring a smile to your face. They’re a sweet reminder that baking can be both fun and rewarding. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the magic of these buns brighten your day!
Print
Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns: A Delight to Bake!
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Cornflake Custard Buns are delightful, fluffy buns filled with a rich custard and coated in crunchy cornflakes, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 g) bread flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk (for custard)
- 4 egg yolks (for custard)
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar (for custard)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (for custard)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for custard)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for custard)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (for coating)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm milk and egg. Mix into a sticky dough.
- Knead in softened butter until smooth and elastic (10 min by hand, 5 with mixer).
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Heat milk until steaming.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Slowly whisk hot milk into yolk mixture, then return to saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking until thick and smooth.
- Stir in butter and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap (touching surface) and chill.
- Punch down dough, divide into 8 pieces. Flatten each into a disk.
- Spoon custard into the center, then pinch edges tightly to seal.
- Roll buns gently to smooth.
- Brush buns with beaten egg.
- Roll in crushed cornflakes until well coated.
- Place buns on parchment-lined tray. Cover and proof 30–40 minutes.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 18–20 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot when adding to the dough.
- For a richer custard, you can add an extra egg yolk.
- Let the buns cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
