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Delicious Homemade Sweet Buns

Are you ready to bring warmth and sweetness to your family’s kitchen? Homemade sweet buns are the perfect blend of fluffy texture and delightful flavor, and they’re surprisingly simple to make. With a touch of patience and love, you can create these delicious treats that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Follow along with this step-by-step guide and let the magic of baking unfold in your home.


Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • Smooth flour: 500 g
  • Sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Yeast: 40 g (fresh) or 2 ½ teaspoons (dry active yeast)
  • Salt: A pinch
  • Egg: 1, lightly beaten
  • Vegetable oil: 100 ml
  • Whole milk: 300 ml, warm

For the Cream Sauce:

  • Vanilla pudding mix: 40 g (or substitute with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • Sugar: 3 tablespoons
  • Vanilla sugar: 12 g (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
  • Whole milk: 800 ml

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Making the Dough

Activate the Yeast

  1. In a large bowl, crumble the fresh yeast or sprinkle the dry yeast.
  2. Cover the yeast with 300 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast).
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of sugar to feed the yeast, then mix well.
  4. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let it rest for 10 minutes until the mixture turns frothy.

Prepare the Dough

  1. Transfer the activated yeast mixture into a larger mixing bowl.
  2. Add the remaining sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and the lightly beaten egg.
  3. Gradually incorporate the smooth flour, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.

Knead the Dough

  1. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes.
  2. The dough should be smooth and elastic but not sticky.

Let it Rise

  1. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a tea towel.
  2. Let it rise in a warm spot for 30-40 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream Sauce

Mix the Ingredients

  1. In a large saucepan, combine 800 ml of whole milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 12 g of vanilla sugar (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract). Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

Create the Pudding Mixture

  1. In a separate bowl, mix a small amount of milk with the vanilla pudding mix until smooth and lump-free.

Combine and Cook

  1. Gradually add the pudding mixture to the saucepan while stirring constantly.
  2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
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Step 3: Baking the Buns

Prepare the Buns

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about ½ inch.
  3. Cut the dough into small squares or use a round cutter for uniform buns.

Bake the Buns

  1. Place the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
  2. Brush the tops with vegetable oil for a golden finish.
  3. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and puffed.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Plate and Pour: On a serving plate, pour a generous amount of the warm cream sauce. Place a few warm buns over the sauce.
  2. Drizzle: Top with additional cream sauce for extra indulgence.
  3. Garnish: Sprinkle with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor.

Helpful Tips

Dough Tips

  • If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
  • Ensure all ingredients, especially milk, are at room temperature for smoother kneading.

Sauce Variations

  • For a chocolate twist, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream sauce.
  • Replace vanilla pudding mix with a caramel-flavored version for a richer taste.

Storage

  • Buns: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.
  • Cream Sauce: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Yes, you can substitute 40 g of fresh yeast with 2 ½ teaspoons of dry active yeast. Follow the same activation process.

Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

Can I freeze the buns?

Yes, baked buns freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.


Conclusion

Homemade sweet buns are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Their fluffy texture and rich, creamy sauce make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a special celebration, or simply to enjoy with your family, these sweet buns will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delightful baking adventure today!