Chai Caramel Custard Buns Recipe
Chai Caramel Custard Buns are soft, pillowy brioche buns filled with chai-spiced custard, topped with a fragrant chai caramel and coated in cinnamon sugar. They are the perfect balance of warm spices and creamy textures, ideal for dessert, brunch, or a festive treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 buns
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
2 chai tea bags
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp cardamom
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Combine warm milk and yeast, let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, sugar, salt, egg, and softened butter, mix and knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Bake the Buns: Punch down dough, divide into 10 pieces, shape into balls, press to form shallow wells. Let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.
- Make the Chai Custard: Heat milk and steep chai bags for 10 minutes. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in chai milk, cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in vanilla and refrigerate.
- Prepare the Chai Caramel: In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until amber, then whisk in cream, butter, and spices. Let cool to a thick, pourable consistency.
- Coat the Buns: Brush buns with melted butter, roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Fill and Garnish: Fill buns with chai custard and drizzle with chai caramel.
- Serve: Let chill for 15 minutes or enjoy slightly warm.
Notes
For a vegan version, replace egg and milk with plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Add a pinch of black pepper to the chai caramel for extra depth.
If desired, substitute chocolate custard for a twist on the classic flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
