These Pumpkin Shaped Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich pastry cream that brings the comforting flavors of autumn to life. Shaped like little pumpkins, they are perfect for welcoming the fall season. The dough is made with simple ingredients like flour, milk, butter, and flavored with vanilla and citrus zest, making each bite a delicate balance of sweetness and fragrance. Finished with a coating of sugar and filled with a smooth pastry cream, these buns are irresistible treats that are fun to make and delicious to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This recipe combines a soft, buttery dough with a creamy filling, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. The pumpkin shape makes it festive and fun, perfect for autumn celebrations or simply to enjoy with family. The lightly sweetened dough, enhanced with citrus zest and vanilla, pairs beautifully with the creamy custard filling. Plus, frying the buns gives them a light, airy texture with a crisp exterior, making them even more irresistible.
Perfect Occasion: These pumpkin-shaped buns are ideal for any fall gathering, holiday dessert table, or weekend baking project. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests with a unique treat, these buns are a festive addition. They’re also perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply enjoying with a warm drink on a crisp autumn day.
Decoration Tips: For an authentic pumpkin look, tie the buns with kitchen twine before frying to create pumpkin-like segments. After frying, coat them with granulated sugar for a sweet crunch. You can also add a small piece of pretzel stick or chocolate as a stem for an extra touch of charm.
Recipe:
Ingredients for the Buns:
- 350g 0 flour (you can substitute Manitoba flour if desired)
- 150ml milk
- 35g soft butter (take out of the fridge 1 hour before)
- 1 egg
- 7g fresh brewer’s yeast
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla extract or a teaspoon of vanilla essence
- Grated zest of an orange or lemon
For the Pastry Cream Filling:
- 250ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Lemon zest
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh brewer’s yeast in lukewarm milk. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla, and citrus zest. Add the milk and yeast mixture, the egg, and the softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions, around 70g each. Roll each portion into a ball. Using kitchen twine, loosely tie each ball to create the pumpkin segments. Be careful not to tie too tightly, as the dough will rise again.
- Second Rise: Let the shaped buns rise for another 30 minutes.
- Fry the Buns: Heat peanut oil in a deep pan over medium-low heat, making sure the oil stays at a consistent temperature. Fry the buns in batches until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll them in granulated sugar.
- Prepare the Pastry Cream: In a saucepan, heat the milk with lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar and flour until smooth. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Fill the Buns: Once the buns have cooled, carefully remove the twine. Fill a piping bag with the cooled pastry cream and inject it into each bun through the base or side.
These Pumpkin Shaped Buns are a delightful autumn treat, combining a soft, fluffy dough with a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for cozy fall days or festive gatherings, they’ll bring a touch of seasonal magic to any occasion. Enjoy!
