These Custard-Filled Rolls with Almond Flakes are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. The rich custard filling adds a creamy, indulgent center, while the golden, slightly crispy almond topping provides a delightful crunch. This recipe is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or as a special treat for gatherings. The homemade dough is easy to make, and the custard filling adds a luxurious touch to these pillowy rolls. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or slightly cooled, these rolls are sure to impress.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour for dough rise, 15-20 minutes for rolls
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including resting time)
Ingredients:
For the Custard:
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- 2 eggs
- 100 g (1/2 cup) sugar
- 30 g (3 1/2 tbsp) cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Dough:
- 200 ml (1 cup) warm milk
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 100 g (1/2 cup) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 90 g (1 cup) butter, softened
- 600 g (about 4-5 cups) plain flour
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk + 3 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Almond flakes
Directions:
- Make the Custard:
- In a pot, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a custard consistency.
- Once thickened, transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool completely. Set aside.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and softened butter.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
- Spread the cooled custard evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to form a log.
- Using floss or a sharp knife, cut the log into 12-16 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls into a buttered muffin pan or a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the rolls and let them rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the dough to rise slightly.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash (1 egg yolk + 3 tbsp milk) and sprinkle with almond flakes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked in the center. If the tops brown too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
- Serve:
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, and they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra treat.
- Pair with your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
- These rolls make a delightful dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for a decadent dessert option.
- These rolls are perfect for sharing at brunch or gatherings, served alongside a fresh fruit salad.
Cooking Tips:
- Dough Rising: Make sure the dough is in a warm, draft-free place to rise. If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in the oven with just the light on for warmth.
- Custard Thickness: If the custard is too thick, add a little more milk to adjust the consistency before spreading it on the dough.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Milk: A great source of calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health.
- Eggs: Rich in protein, B vitamins, and essential nutrients.
- Butter: Provides healthy fats that help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
- Almonds: A source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E, which is good for skin health.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly, though not dairy-free or gluten-free.
- Can be adapted to a dairy-free version by using non-dairy milk and butter substitutes, and a dairy-free custard recipe.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend, although the texture may differ slightly.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 280-320 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 15 g
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These rolls freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Deliciously Creamy Custard: The custard filling is rich and creamy, adding a luxurious texture to the soft rolls.
- Easy to Make: With basic ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice bakers.
- Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, homemade treat.
- Customizable: You can adjust the toppings or add your favorite flavors to the custard filling, such as cinnamon or citrus zest.
Conclusion: These Custard-Filled Rolls with Almond Flakes are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, indulgent pastries. The creamy custard filling paired with the lightly crispy almond topping creates the perfect balance of textures. Whether you serve them at a brunch gathering or enjoy them as a comforting breakfast, these rolls are sure to be a hit. Make them for your next special occasion or treat yourself to a sweet, homemade delight anytime!