Description
Indulge in our Custard-Filled Sweet Bread: airy, buttery dough cradling a smooth, rich vanilla bean custard. This comforting treat promises a delightful baking experience.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet)
- Whole milk: 1 1/2 cups, divided
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened, plus 2 tablespoons
- Large eggs: 2 large, plus 2 large egg yolks
- Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons
- alcohol-free vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
Instructions
- Step 1: **Prepare the Dough:** In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C), 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the active dry yeast; let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar, softened butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the yeast mixture, then gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface or with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: **Make the Custard Filling:** While the dough rises, prepare the custard. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the 2 large egg yolks, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk until well combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens significantly, comes to a gentle boil, and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla bean paste and 2 tablespoons of butter. Transfer the custard to a clean bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator until completely cold.
- Step 3: **Shape and Fill the Bread:** Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches. Evenly spread the chilled custard filling over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) along one of the longer edges. Tightly roll the dough from the opposite long edge towards the border, forming a log. Pinch the seam gently to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12-16 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick).
- Step 4: **Second Rise:** Arrange the sliced rolls (cut-side up) in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Alternatively, you can place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy and almost touching. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
- Step 5: **Bake and Cool:** Once risen, gently brush the tops of the rolls with an egg wash (one egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) for a golden finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden brown and the custard is set. If the tops begin to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For ultimate freshness, store any leftover Custard-Filled Sweet Bread covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to preserve the creamy filling.
- To enjoy your chilled bread, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- These delightful rolls make a wonderful accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea, a charming addition to a brunch spread, or a simple, comforting dessert.
- When preparing the custard, be sure to whisk constantly over medium heat until it significantly thickens and coats the back of your spoon, as this ensures a silky-smooth, perfectly set filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 85g)
- Calories: 310
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 24g