Raspberry Custard Buns

Introduction

Raspberry Custard Buns are the kind of treat that makes you want to savor every bite. Imagine soft, fluffy dough wrapped around a rich, velvety custard and a sweet-tart burst of fresh raspberries—what’s not to love? These buns are perfect for any time of day, whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast, serving them at a weekend brunch, or indulging in them as a sweet dessert.

I first tried making these buns on a lazy Sunday morning when I was craving something special but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The result? A batch of soft, buttery buns that looked as beautiful as they tasted. The custard was so creamy, and the raspberries added just the right amount of tartness to balance out the sweetness. It became an instant family favorite, and I’ve made them countless times since.

What I love most about Raspberry Custard Buns is how they bring together two classic flavors—fruit and custard—in a way that feels fresh and indulgent. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! You start with a simple dough, fill them with custard and raspberries, then bake them to golden perfection. The result is a batch of buns that are warm, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these buns are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Brunch gatherings
• Afternoon tea or coffee time
• Special occasions and celebrations
• Sweet breakfast treats
• Gifting homemade baked goods

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Raspberry Custard Buns are a decadent yet simple treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking collection. Here’s why this recipe is so special:

• Irresistibly Soft Dough: The dough for these buns is incredibly soft and fluffy, providing the perfect base for the custard and raspberry filling.
• Fresh and Fruity: The sweet-tart raspberries add a burst of refreshing flavor, balancing out the richness of the custard.
• Perfectly Creamy Custard: The velvety custard filling is rich and smooth, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Versatile: These buns are great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert after dinner.
• Homemade Goodness: The combination of homemade dough, custard, and fresh fruit makes these buns far more delicious than store-bought versions.
• Simple Ingredients: Despite their indulgent taste, these buns are made with simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: About 12 buns
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 32g, Fat: 9g, Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Raspberry Custard Buns:

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (warm)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Custard Filling:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Raspberry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredient Highlights

• Flour: All-purpose flour creates a soft and fluffy dough, which is key to getting the perfect texture for the buns.
• Raspberries: Fresh raspberries give these buns their sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
• Eggs: Eggs are crucial for the structure of the dough and the richness of the custard filling.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: A combination of heavy cream and milk creates a smooth, luscious custard filling with a perfect balance of richness.
• Butter: Melted butter adds a soft, tender texture to the dough and enhances the overall flavor.
• Sugar & Lemon: Sugar sweetens the raspberry filling, while lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Raspberry Custard Buns:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

the Custard Filling:

5. Make the Custard: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl and gradually add a bit of the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs.
6. Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool.

Prepare the Raspberry Filling:

7. Cook the Raspberries: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, mashing the berries with a spoon until they form a thick syrup. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Buns:

8. Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a disc shape.
9. Fill the Buns: Spoon a small amount of custard filling into the center of each dough disc, then add a teaspoon of raspberry filling on top of the custard. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the bun.
10. Place in a Baking Dish: Arrange the filled buns in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Bake the Buns: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

How to Serve

Here are some ways to serve your Raspberry Custard Buns:

• Warm with Coffee or Tea: Serve fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Gifting: Package the buns in a decorative box or basket to gift to friends or family on special occasions.
• For Dessert: These buns make a lovely light dessert when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Add these buns to a brunch buffet along with other pastries, fruits, and savory dishes.
• With Extra Raspberry Sauce: Drizzle additional raspberry sauce or jam over the buns before serving for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Raspberry Custard Buns even better:

• Let the Buns Cool Before Storing: Let the buns cool completely before storing them to prevent moisture buildup.
• Customize the Filling: Swap raspberries for strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight for an easy morning bake.
• Use Frozen Raspberries: If fresh raspberries aren’t available, frozen raspberries work just as well for the filling.
• Add a Glaze: After baking, brush the buns with a simple sugar glaze or a lemon glaze for added sweetness.
• Double the Custard: If you love custard, double the recipe to make extra custard to spoon over the buns after baking.
• Add Almond Extract: A splash of almond extract in the custard filling can add a delightful nutty flavor.
• Baking Time Adjustment: If you prefer a softer bun, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
• Use a Stand Mixer: If you have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough in it to save time and effort.
• Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the buns with custard and raspberry, as this can make them difficult to seal.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 fun variations for Raspberry Custard Buns:

• Mixed Berry Version: Use a combination of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for a berry medley filling.
• Chocolate-Custard Buns: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the custard filling for a chocolate twist.
• Cinnamon Rolls: Add a touch of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version of these buns.
• Lemon-Raspberry Filling: Add a bit of lemon zest to the raspberry filling for a more citrusy flavor.
• Hazelnut Custard: Replace the vanilla in the custard with hazelnut extract for a nutty flavor.
• Raspberry Jam Filling: Use raspberry jam instead of fresh raspberries for a smoother, sweeter filling.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Mix some cream cheese into the custard for a richer, tangier filling.
• Almond Raspberry Filling: Add chopped almonds to the raspberry filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Caramelized Banana Version: Add caramelized banana slices to the custard for a tropical twist.
• Frosted Version: Top with a powdered sugar glaze or frosting for a sweeter finish.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze these buns before or after baking. To freeze before baking, place the filled buns on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time. To freeze after baking, let the buns cool, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Storing: Store baked buns at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Special Equipment

Here are the essential tools needed for making Raspberry Custard Buns:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For easier mixing and kneading of the dough.
• Baking Dish: A medium-sized greased baking dish to arrange the buns.
• Saucepan: For cooking the custard and raspberry fillings.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the right thickness.
• Pastry Brush: To apply an egg wash or glaze on top of the buns.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients for the dough, custard, and filling.
• Whisk: For combining ingredients in the custard and to ensure it thickens properly.
• Small Bowl: For preparing the yeast mixture before adding it to the dough.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the buns after baking, allowing air to circulate.
• Small Spoon: For adding the custard and raspberry filling into the dough.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, frozen raspberries work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
2. How do I make the custard ahead of time?
   You can prepare the custard a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before filling the buns.
3. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
   Yes, strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries are great alternatives to raspberries.
4. Can I make these buns without yeast?
   Yeast is key to achieving the soft, fluffy texture of the dough, but you could try using a quick bread recipe as an alternative.
5. How long will the buns stay fresh?
   These buns stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.
6. Can I freeze these buns?
   Yes, both before and after baking. Simply freeze the unbaked buns or the fully baked ones and thaw or bake as needed.
7. Do I have to use heavy cream in the custard?
   You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat milk for a lighter custard.
8. Can I add more custard to the filling?
   Absolutely! If you prefer a more custard-filled bun, you can increase the amount of custard in each.
9. Can I make the buns without eggs?
   You could try an egg replacement for the dough, like a flaxseed mixture or a commercial egg replacer, but it may alter the texture slightly.
10. What can I use if I don’t have a stand mixer?
    You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It will take a little longer, but it’s still very doable.

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Conclusion

These Raspberry Custard Buns are the perfect treat to enjoy with loved ones, whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy day at home. The soft, pillowy dough is paired beautifully with a rich, creamy custard and a burst of fresh raspberry filling, creating a pastry that’s nothing short of irresistible.

Making these buns from scratch is surprisingly easy, and with a little patience and these simple, step-by-step instructions, you’ll have bakery-quality pastries right in your own kitchen. The combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone coming back for more, and they’ll soon become a favorite treat in your household.

So go ahead, bake up these delicious buns, and enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors of homemade goodness! I can’t wait to see how your Raspberry Custard Buns turn out! Don’t forget to share a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your wonderful creations! Happy baking!