These Custard-Filled Sweet Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious homemade vanilla custard. Perfect for breakfast, a tea-time treat, or a comforting dessert, these rolls combine a rich, buttery dough with a creamy, sweet filling. Topped with almond flakes for a crunchy finish, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Bread Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Bread Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the custard to cool slightly before using.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.
- Cut the dough into 12 squares (or 8 for larger rolls).
- Spoon a generous amount of custard into the center of each square.
- Carefully fold the corners of each square to the center, pinching the edges to seal the rolls.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls:
- Place the filled rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
- Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve:
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Dust the rolls with powdered sugar before serving.
Conclusion:
Custard-Filled Sweet Bread Rolls are a delicious, comforting treat that combines the soft, fluffy texture of homemade bread with the creamy richness of vanilla custard. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Try them out today and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different filling for the rolls?
- Yes, you can use fruit preserves, chocolate spread, or a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of custard.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
- How can I make the custard dairy-free?
- Substitute regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free alternative.
- How do I know when the rolls are done?
- The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
- Can I add dried fruits to the dough?
- Absolutely! Dried raisins, cranberries, or apricots would be a lovely addition.
- How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
- Ensure to cover the rolls with a damp cloth while they are rising to prevent them from drying out.
- What is the best way to store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the rolls after baking?
- Yes, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. You may need to adjust the liquid ratio.