Imagine biting into a fluffy, steamed bao bun, only to be greeted by a burst of your favorite ice cream flavor. This isn’t a dream, it’s the magic of ice cream-stuffed bao buns! This unique dessert, a fusion of Asian and Western flavors, is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for this Culinary Adventure
For the Bao Buns:
- 1 cup warm milk (around 100°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup warm water
For the Filling:
- 1 pint of your favorite ice cream, slightly softened
- Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate sauce, chopped nuts for topping
Tools to Gather
- Large mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Steamer basket
- Parchment paper
Let’s Get Steaming: The Step-by-Step Guide
1. The Bao Bun Beginning
- In your mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Add in the flour, baking powder, salt, and softened butter. Use your hands or a stand mixer to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Filling Frenzy
- While the dough rises, scoop out balls of your slightly softened ice cream using an ice cream scoop.
- Place the scoops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them back in the freezer to re-freeze while you prepare the bao buns.
3. Shaping & Steaming
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 5 inches in diameter.
- Place a frozen ice cream ball in the center of each circle.
- Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the ice cream and pinch to seal completely.
- Place each filled bao bun on a small square of parchment paper.
- Steam the bao buns for 10-12 minutes, or until they are puffy and cooked through.
Tips for Bao-tiful Results
- Yeast Activation is Key: Make sure your yeast is active by checking for foam after it sits in the warm milk.
- Don’t Over-Steam: Over-steaming can make the bao buns dense.
- Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after steaming.
Presentation Perfection
Dust the warm bao buns with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite sauce. Get creative and add sprinkles or chopped nuts for an extra touch of indulgence!
