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Earl Grey Milk Tea Custard Buns

Earl Grey Milk Tea Custard Buns with pearl sugar topping and creamy custard center, perfect for tea time.

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Earl Grey Milk Tea Custard Buns with pearl sugar topping and creamy custard center, perfect for tea time.

These Earl Grey Milk Tea Custard Buns are a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and creamy tea-infused custard. Made with a gentle and aromatic earl grey tea, these buns bring a unique twist to the classic Asian sweet bun. The delicate flavor of the tea, combined with the sweet custard, creates a decadent treat that is ideal for tea time or as a delightful dessert after a meal. Whether you’re a seasoned pastry chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these buns offer a rewarding baking experience.

The origin of custard buns can be traced back to the traditional Chinese bakery scene, where sweet and savory fillings are wrapped in soft, pillowy bread. The introduction of earl grey tea—a quintessentially British blend—adds an exciting cross-cultural flair to this recipe. The use of tea in desserts and pastries has been a growing trend, celebrating the aromatic qualities of tea while complementing sweet flavors. These buns not only satisfy your cravings but also bring the comforting warmth of tea into your baking repertoire.

These Earl Grey Milk Tea Custard Buns are perfect for various occasions. Serve them during afternoon tea gatherings to impress guests or pack them for picnics for a unique treat. They can also make a delightful dessert after dinner or be served at breakfast for a sweet start to the day. The beautiful pearl sugar topping adds an elegant touch that makes these buns suitable for celebrations and special events.

Earl Grey Milk Tea Custard Buns with pearl sugar topping and creamy custard center, perfect for tea time.

Earl Grey Milk Tea Custard Buns

Recipe by Mary Clarkson

Difficulty

Intermediate

Servings

8 servings

Prep time

30 Mins

Cooking time

20 Mins

Ingredients

  • 200ml milk
  • 2 tablespoons earl grey tea
  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 50g sugar
  • 10g salt
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 egg (beaten, about 50g)
  • 50g melted butter
  • 2 egg yolks (about 30g)
  • 30g sugar (for custard)
  • 15g cornstarch
  • Pearl sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

  1. In a small pot, heat 200ml of milk with 2 tablespoons of earl grey tea. Let it steep for 15 minutes, then strain and cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix together 500g of all-purpose flour, 50g of sugar, and 10g of salt. Create a well in the center.
  3. Add 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast to the warm milk along with 1 beaten egg (about 50g) and 50g of melted butter. Pour this mixture into the well.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a covered bowl for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. For the custard, whisk together 2 egg yolks (about 30g), 30g of sugar, and 15g of cornstarch in a saucepan.
  6. Gradually add the remaining milk while stirring. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it thickens. Remove from heat and cool.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into small circles (about 10cm in diameter).
  8. Place a tablespoon of the cooled custard in the center of each circle, fold the dough over, and pinch to seal.
  9. Let the shaped buns rest for an additional 30 minutes before baking.
  10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the buns with an egg wash and sprinkle pearl sugar on top.
  11. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Carbs

34

Protein

4

Fats

6