🥯 Vegan Custard Buns

Servings: 8 buns
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus dough rising)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~1.5–2 hours

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⭐ Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (warm, ~110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil

For the Vegan Custard Filling

• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3–4 tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil

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🥣 Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm plant milk and oil.
3. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rise 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Vegan Custard

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add plant milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (~5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat, stir in vegan butter and vanilla extract.
5. Let cool slightly.

3. Shape the Buns

1. Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
2. Flatten each piece into a small disk (~3 inches).
3. Place 1–2 tbsp custard in the center.
4. Gather edges and pinch to seal, forming a smooth bun.
5. Place buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.

4. Second Rise

• Cover buns with a damp cloth.
• Let rise 20–25 minutes.

5. Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake buns for 12–15 minutes until golden.
• Optional: brush tops with plant milk for shine before baking.

6. Serve

• Let buns cool slightly.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Optional: dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

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🍽 Tips

• Soft Buns: Don’t overfill with custard.
• Make Ahead: Custard can be made 1 day in advance; store in airtight container in fridge.
• Freeze: Freeze baked buns; reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

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🌱 Variations

• Matcha Custard: Add 1 tsp matcha powder to custard.
• Chocolate Custard: Add 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder to custard.
• Mini Buns: Make 12 smaller buns for bite-sized treats.