Stovetop Custard Cream Buns

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Soft, creamy, no oven needed

These Stovetop Custard Cream Buns are irresistibly soft, lightly golden, and filled with smooth vanilla custard—all without turning on the oven. Perfect for small kitchens, summer baking, or anytime you’re craving bakery-style buns with minimal equipment, this recipe is beginner-friendly and deeply comforting. The dough cooks gently in a pan, creating fluffy buns with a tender crumb, while the creamy custard center adds just the right touch of sweetness. If you love no-oven desserts or cozy homemade treats, these custard buns are a must-try.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 8 buns

📝 Ingredients List

Dough

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter

Custard Filling

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Non-stick skillet with lid
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Make the Custard

  1. Whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolk in a saucepan until smooth.
  2. Cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, whisking constantly, until thick and glossy.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter. Cover and cool completely ✨

Make the Dough

  1. Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Add warm milk and oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover and rest for 45 minutes, until doubled in size.

Assemble & Cook

  1. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each slightly.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon custard to the center, pinch closed, and shape into smooth balls.
  3. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over low heat. Place buns seam-side down, leaving space.
  4. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until bottoms are golden. Flip gently, cover again, and cook another 8–10 minutes until fluffy and cooked through 🥰

💡 Pro Tips

  • Low heat is key: Too much heat will brown before cooking through
  • No leaks: Seal buns tightly to keep custard inside
  • Flavor boost: Add lemon zest or nutmeg to the custard
  • Make ahead: Custard can be made 1 day in advance

❄️ Storage & Reheating

Store cooled buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

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