Print

Custard-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 144 reviews

Custard-Filled Sweet Bread is a delightful homemade treat combining the soft, fluffy texture of sweet yeast bread with a rich and creamy vanilla custard filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, this recipe guides you through making the bread from scratch, preparing a smooth custard filling, and baking it to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

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

For the Custard Filling

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Finishing

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is frothy, add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk thoroughly until well combined for a smooth base.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is sticky to achieve a workable consistency.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Prepare Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is just about to simmer. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  7. Mix Custard Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
  8. Temper Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the heated milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling the eggs.
  9. Cook Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  10. Finish Custard: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin, and let it cool to room temperature.
  11. Shape Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
  12. Fill and Roll: Spread the cooled custard evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends underneath.
  13. Second Rise: Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until slightly puffed.
  14. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough rises.
  15. Brush and Bake: Brush the top of the dough with melted butter to encourage a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  16. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a lovely finish.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warm (about 110°F/43°C) but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • The custard can be made a day in advance and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before using.
  • This sweet bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
  • Use a kitchen towel to cover dough during rising to maintain moisture and prevent crust formation.
  • For best results, handle the dough gently during shaping to retain air bubbles for a light texture.

Keywords: custard bread, sweet bread, yeast bread, homemade bread, dessert bread, vanilla custard filling, breakfast bread

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/custard-filled-sweet-bread-recipe/