All-Natural Steamed Custard Buns (Lai Wong Bao)

Eggs, milk and sugar... these are the basic ingredients that are in a custard.

So it should be as simple to make custard-filled buns, right?

But did you know that many custard buns are made with custard powder?

WHAT IS CUSTARD POWDER?

Custard powder was invented in England by Alfred Bird in the the 1800s. Hence, the name "Bird's Custard Powder."

There's no actual eggs in that particular custard powder, however, there is a long list of additives and preservatives, which means you won't find custard powder in my kitchen.

MY PAST ATTEMPTS AT CUSTARD BUNS

In pursuit of the perfect steamed custard buns WITHOUT custard powder, I've attempted numerous versions of custard bun fillings to get as close of a texture and colour to commercially sold ones.

I tried doing a standard custard of just eggs, milk, sugar and flour -- and while it tasted alright, it was a little stiff when steamed in the bun. I was aiming for more of an oozy texture.

In terms of colour, I tried turmeric powder to get a more natural yellow colour, but that tasted a little bitter, and the colour was way too yellow.

I'm lucky that my sons love eating custard buns so they were up for all of my experimentation.

MY OOZY VERSION WITHOUT CUSTARD POWDER

I'm excited to share my recipe which is free from any artificial flavours, colours, or additives.

I used pumpkin puree to enhance the yellow colour naturally, but the coconut milk and eggs will mask the taste of it.

Rich, slightly oozy, and lightly sweet custard, enveloped by a soft, fluffy steamed dough.

INGREDEIENTS IN OOZY CUSTARD FILLING

• coconut oil
• coconut milk
• whole milk
• pumpkin puree
• egg yolks
• vanilla extract
• granulated sugar
• cornstarch
• all-purpose flour

HOW TO MAKE THE CUSTARD

Similar to making a traditional custard, combine the coconut milk, milk, pumpkin puree and coconut oil in a small saucepan.

Whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla extract, sugar, cornstarch and flour in a separate bowl.

Once the milk mixture has been heated, gradually pour it into the egg yolk mixture, simultaneously whisking (to temper the eggs). 

When all the milk has been incorporated, add the mixture back into the saucepan and continue to whisk over low heat, until thickened. 

Chill the mixture, and scoop into balls. Place into the refrigerator/freezer to firm up. 

OTHER RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY

If you like this recipe, you may enjoy:

Steamed Red Bean Buns

Matcha Pineapple Bun "Bo Lo Bao"

Coconut Buns (Chinese Cocktail Buns) 雞尾包

Matcha Mantou

These buns are great for breakfast.

In fact, these custard buns appear at my breakfast table at least once a week. (It's super easy when you steam them from frozen). Pair it with a homemade bubble tea for the ultimate afternoon snack.

Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

Print Recipe

All-Natural Steamed Custard Buns (Lai Wong Bao)

Homemade all-natural custard buns made without artificial custard powder. Rich, silky, lightly sweet custard in a fluffy steamed bun.

Prep Time2 hours hrs

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: 10

Calories: 191kcal

Author: Michelle

For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

Ingredients

Custard

• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ¼ teaspoon vanilla paste
• ¾ C coconut milk you can omit and just use milk instead
• ½ C whole milk
• ¼ C + 2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoon pumpkin puree

Dough

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 140 g warm water
• 5 g active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 10 g granulated sugar
• 5 g vegetable oil

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Custard:

• In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, milk, coconut oil, and pumpkin puree and stir over medium heat.
• In a small glass bowl, place the egg yolks, vanilla, sugar, cornstarch and flour and whisk together. Place the bowl on a damp dishcloth.
• When the coconut milk is heated through, gradually drizzle the hot milk over the egg yolks and whisk constantly (to temper the eggs). Keep whisking while you pour the rest of the milk to remove any lumps.
• Gently pour the mixture back into the saucepan and continue to whisk over low heat. The mixture will start to thicken. You can tell it is thick enough when a spoon dipped into the mixture will sustain a line drawn on the back of it.
• Remove from heat and put the mixture through a sieve to remove any remaining lumps and into a clean bowl.
• Let cool. Place a piece of plastic wrap over top of the custard and place into the refrigerator overnight.
• The next day, remove the custard from the refrigerator and use a small ice cream scoop to form balls. Place the balls onto a piece of plastic wrap and enclose to keep its shape. Repeat with the remaining custard.
• Place the plastic-wrapped custard balls into the freezer until ready to use.

Dough:

• In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, baking powder and oil.
• In a small bowl, add the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the yeast activate and become bubbly.
• Once the yeast has activated, with the mixer running on low, add it to the flour mixture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour. If the dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you obtain the correct consistency.
• Lightly grease a medium glass bowl and place the the dough into it. Cover and let it proof in a warm place for about 1 hour or until almost doubled in bulk.
• Once dough has risen, divide into portions of ~50g each. Roll each dough portion into a smooth ball and flatten the edges to form a disc with a hump in the middle.
• Remove the custard filling balls from the freezer and place one custard ball in the middle of the dough. Carefully bring up the edges of the dough and pleat around it, sealing up the filling.
• Place the dough with the pleats facing down onto a square piece of parchment paper, approximately 3" by 3" in size.
• Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
• Place the custard buns (with the parchment) onto a steamer rack or a bamboo steamer.
• Let rest for about 20-30 minutes, until dough has risen slightly.
• Use large pot or wok with just enough water and set your steaming rack over top of it. Turn on the heat to high and steam for 15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes without opening the lid. (This is to prevent the buns from collapsing).
• Remove from heat and let cool. Enjoy the custard buns immediately.

Notes

Place the buns into an airtight container and consume within 3 days.

Otherwise, individually-wrapped custard buns will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just steam for 15-20 minutes from frozen.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 546IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!