Mixed Berry Custard Buns | Soft, Fluffy & Delicious

These Mixed Berry Custard Buns are made with soft, fluffy homemade bread filled with smooth vanilla custard and a sweet, slightly tangy mixed berry filling. They are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or sharing with family and friends.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 buns

Ingredients

For the Bun Dough

• 350 g all-purpose flour

• 40 g sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 7 g instant yeast

• 160 ml warm milk

• 1 large egg, at room temperature

• 45 g unsalted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons extra flour, only if needed

For the Vanilla Custard

• 250 ml fresh milk

• 2 egg yolks

• 50 g sugar

• 20 g cornflour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 15 g unsalted butter

For the Mixed Berry Filling

• 150 g mixed berries, fresh or frozen

• 35 g sugar

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cornflour

• 1 tablespoon water

For Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon milk

• Icing sugar for dusting, optional

• Fresh berries for decoration, optional

Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Custard

1. Heat the milk.
   Pour the fresh milk into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium low heat until warm and steaming, but do not allow it to boil.

2. Mix the egg yolks.
   Add the egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour to a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and pale.

3. Temper the eggs.
   Slowly pour approximately half of the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.

4. Cook the custard.
   Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat while stirring continuously until the custard becomes thick and smooth.

5. Add the vanilla and butter.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and unsalted butter.

6. Cool the custard.
   Transfer the custard to a clean bowl. Cover its surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate until needed.

Prepare the Mixed Berry Filling

1. Cook the berries.
   Add the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice to a small saucepan.

2. Simmer the mixture.
   Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Gently crush some of the berries as they soften.

3. Prepare the cornflour mixture.
   Mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.

4. Thicken the filling.
   Pour the cornflour mixture into the berries while stirring. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the filling becomes thick and glossy.

5. Cool completely.
   Remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool completely before using.

Prepare the Bun Dough

1. Combine the dry ingredients.
   Add the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast to a large mixing bowl. Mix well.

2. Add the wet ingredients.
   Pour in the warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

3. Form the dough.
   Mix until the ingredients come together and form a rough dough.

4. Add the butter.
   Add the softened butter and knead for approximately 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.

5. Check the texture.
   The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Add only a small amount of extra flour if it is too wet to handle.

6. Allow the dough to rise.
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

7. First rise.
   Leave the dough in a warm place for 60–75 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape and Fill the Buns

1. Divide the dough.
   Gently press the air out of the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces.

2. Shape the dough.
   Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Cover the balls and allow them to rest for 10 minutes.

3. Flatten each piece.
   Roll or press each ball into a small circle. Keep the centre slightly thicker than the edges.

4. Add the fillings.
   Place approximately 1 tablespoon of chilled vanilla custard and 1–2 teaspoons of mixed berry filling in the centre.

5. Seal the buns.
   Bring the edges of the dough together and pinch them firmly to seal the filling inside.

6. Arrange the buns.
   Place each bun seam side down on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

7. Second rise.
   Cover the buns loosely and leave them to rise for 25–35 minutes, or until soft and puffy.

Bake the Buns

1. Preheat the oven.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C.

2. Prepare the egg wash.
   Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of milk.

3. Brush the buns.
   Gently brush the tops of the risen buns with the egg wash.

4. Bake.
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the buns are beautifully golden brown.

5. Cool the buns.
   Transfer the baked buns to a wire rack and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes.

6. Decorate and serve.
   Dust with icing sugar and decorate with fresh berries, if desired. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Kift’s Tips

• Make sure the milk is warm rather than hot, as very hot milk can damage the yeast.

• Chill the custard and mixed berry filling before shaping the buns.

• Cook the berry filling until thick so it does not leak from the dough.

• Do not overfill the buns.

• Seal each bun firmly and place the sealed side underneath.

• Keep the dough soft to produce light and fluffy buns.

• Avoid adding too much flour while kneading.

• Frozen mixed berries can be used without thawing.

• Lightly brush the freshly baked buns with melted butter for an extra-soft finish.

• Allow the buns to cool slightly because the custard filling will be very hot immediately after baking.

Storage Instructions

Because the buns contain custard, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Allow the buns to return to room temperature before serving, or warm them gently in the microwave for approximately 10–15 seconds.

The baked buns can also be reheated in an oven at 150°C for 5–7 minutes.

Freezing fully assembled custard buns is not recommended because the custard texture may change after thawing.

Watch the Recipe Video

See how Kift makes these soft and delicious Mixed Berry Custard Buns step by step:

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/28kedDdTCUA

Cook With Kift — Bringing delicious homemade flavours to your kitchen.