Cream filled buns are one of the most delightful bakery-style treats you can make at home. These soft, fluffy buns are light and airy on the outside, while the inside is packed with a rich, smooth, and creamy filling that melts in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, dessert, or special gatherings, cream filled buns offer a delicious balance of sweet bread and luscious filling.
Freshly baked cream buns are loved worldwide because they feel luxurious yet comforting. The dough is tender and buttery, while the cream can be made from whipped cream, custard, pastry cream, or vanilla filling. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or glazed lightly, these buns look beautiful and taste irresistible.
The best part is that homemade cream filled buns taste fresher and richer than store-bought bakery buns. With a few pantry ingredients and a little patience, you can create a tray of bakery-quality buns right in your own kitchen.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 18 minutes
- Cooling & Filling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield
Makes 10 to 12 buns
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Custard Filling Alternative
- 2 cups milk
- 3 egg yolks
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Melted chocolate drizzle (optional)
- Jam glaze (optional)
Ingredient Notes
- Warm milk helps activate the yeast properly. It should be warm, not hot.
- Bread flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- Heavy cream whips best when chilled.
- Butter adds softness and rich flavor to the buns.
- Vanilla gives a bakery-style aroma and taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a little flour, but avoid too much.
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions. Shape into smooth balls and place on a lined baking tray with space between each bun.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover lightly and let rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake buns for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Cream Filling
Beat chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
For custard filling, cook milk, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened, then cool fully.
Step 9: Fill the Buns
Slice each bun partially through the center or make a side opening. Pipe or spoon in whipped cream or custard filling generously.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar and serve fresh.
Nutrition Facts (Per Bun Approximate)
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 130mg
Tips for Perfect Cream Filled Buns
- Cool buns completely before adding cream filling.
- Use a piping bag for neat bakery-style filling.
- Chill filled buns before serving for best texture.
- Do not overbake or buns may become dry.
- Add lemon zest or orange zest for fresh flavor.
