Skip to main content

custard bun recipe.

 


Custard Bun Recipe (Liu Sha Bao / Nai Wong Bao)

Custard Buns are a popular dim sum favorite with soft, fluffy steamed bread filled with creamy, sweet custard. Known as Nai Wong Bao in Cantonese (sweet custard bun) and sometimes as Liu Sha Bao (lava custard bun with runny centers), these buns are light, pillowy, and irresistible.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make authentic homemade custard buns with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and fluffy steamed buns.
  • Rich, creamy custard filling.
  • Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
  • Just like your favorite dim sum restaurant!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup warm milk (or water)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Custard Filling:

  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Custard Filling

  1. In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour.
  2. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla.
  5. Cool completely, then refrigerate (filling thickens as it chills).

2. Make the Dough

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add warm milk and oil, knead until a smooth dough forms (8–10 minutes).
  3. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Assemble the Buns

  1. Punch down dough, divide into 12 pieces.
  2. Roll each piece into a ball, flatten slightly.
  3. Place 1–2 tbsp custard filling in the center.
  4. Pinch and seal edges, shaping into smooth buns.

4. Steam the Buns

  1. Place buns on parchment squares in a steamer basket.
  2. Let rise for 15 minutes.
  3. Steam over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes.

5. Serve

Enjoy warm, soft custard buns fresh from the steamer!

Tips for Perfect Custard Buns

  • Chill custard before filling — it’s easier to handle.
  • Don’t overfill buns to prevent leakage.
  • Use parchment paper squares to stop buns from sticking.
  • For lava-style buns (Liu Sha Bao), add salted egg yolk powder to the custard.

Variations

  • Baked Custard Buns: Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.
  • Coconut Custard Buns: Add shredded coconut to the custard filling.
  • Matcha Custard Buns: Mix matcha powder into custard for a Japanese twist.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with Hong Kong Milk Tea for a true dim sum experience.
  • Pair with other dim sum favorites like Egg Tarts or Steamed BBQ Pork Buns.
  • Enjoy as a sweet snack or dessert after dinner.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a steamer or microwave with a damp paper towel.
  • Freeze unsteamed buns for up to 2 months; steam straight from frozen.

FAQs about Custard Buns

1. What’s the difference between Nai Wong Bao and Liu Sha Bao?
Nai Wong Bao has thick custard filling, while Liu Sha Bao has a runny, lava-like filling.

2. Can I bake instead of steam?
Yes, baked custard buns are golden and slightly crisp, while steamed ones stay fluffy.

3. Can I make the dough with a stand mixer?
Yes, use a dough hook to knead for 6–7 minutes.

4. Can I use store-bought custard?
Yes, but homemade custard gives the best flavor and texture.

5. How do I prevent buns from collapsing after steaming?
Make sure your yeast is active and avoid opening the steamer lid too early.

You May Also Like

  • [Hong Kong Egg Tarts]
  • [Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)]
  • [Pineapple Buns (Bolo Bao)]
  • [Hong Kong Style French Toast]
  • [Mango Pudding]

👉 These homemade Custard Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with creamy custard — just like dim sum! Try this recipe for a perfect sweet treat.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ayam bakar recipe.

  🍗 Ayam Bakar Recipe (Indonesian Grilled Chicken) Ayam Bakar is a delicious Indonesian grilled chicken marinated in spices and caramelized with sweet soy sauce. Juicy, smoky, and full of bold flavors — perfect with rice, sambal, and fresh vegetables. ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Ayam Bakar Authentic Indonesian flavors Sweet, smoky, and savory Easy to prepare at home Perfect for lunch, dinner, or BBQ Pairs well with sambal and rice 🧄 Ingredients for Ayam Bakar For the Chicken 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 1 kg chicken thighs 2 tbsp oil 1 tbsp lime juice ½ tsp salt For the Spice Paste (Bumbu) 5 cloves garlic 5 shallots 3–5 red chilies 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) 1 lemongrass stalk (crushed) 3 kaffir lime leaves 250 ml coconut milk 🔥 How to Make Ayam Bakar (Step-by-Step) Step 1: Prepare the chicken Rub chicken pieces with lime juice and salt. Set aside fo...
Post a Comment
Read more

sosaties recipe.

  🍢 Traditional South African Sosaties Recipe Make authentic South African Sosaties – delicious marinated meat skewers perfect for braais. Includes step-by-step recipe, serving suggestions, FAQs, and similar recipes. 🇿🇦 What are Sosaties? Sosaties are South African kebabs , traditionally made with cubes of meat (often lamb or chicken) marinated in a flavorful Cape Malay–style sauce and then grilled on skewers. The name comes from Dutch/Afrikaans, combining “sate” (skewered meat) and “saus” (sauce) . They’re a staple at braais (barbecues) and often include vegetables or dried fruit for extra flavor. ✅ Ingredients 1 kg (2.2 lbs) lamb, beef, or chicken (cubed) 2 large onions, sliced 2 tbsp vegetable oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp curry powder 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp paprika 2 tbsp apricot jam or chutney 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice 1 cup plain yogurt (for tenderizing) Salt and pepper to taste Skewers (wooden or metal) Optional: bell peppers, dried apricot...
Post a Comment
Read more

gelato recipe

  🍨 Authentic Italian Gelato Recipe – Creamy & Easy to Make Gelato is Italy’s most famous frozen dessert, loved worldwide for its silky texture, rich flavors, and lower fat content compared to ice cream . If you’ve been searching for a homemade gelato recipe that’s easy, authentic, and delicious – this is the perfect one. In this post, you’ll learn how to make gelato at home , step by step, with pro tips and flavor variations. ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Gelato Recipe Creamier and denser than regular ice cream Uses simple, fresh ingredients Endless flavor options (chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, strawberry, and more) Perfect summer dessert for the whole family 📌 Recipe Card – Gelato  Prep Time:  15 mins Cook Time:  15 mins Chill Time:  3 hrs Total Time:  3 hrs 30 mins Servings:  6 📝 Ingredients (Base Gelato Recipe) 2 cups (500ml) whole milk 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream 4 large egg yolks ⅔ cup (130g) sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 ...
Post a Comment
Read more