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Easy Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns with Creamy Coffee Paste Filling Recipe

4.7 from 170 reviews

These Easy Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns feature a soft and fluffy homemade dough infused with rich coffee flavor, wrapped around a creamy coffee bean paste filling. Lightly sweetened and vegan-friendly, these steamed buns are a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired technique and coffeehouse flavors, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 4 cups bread flour (480 g), sifted and leveled
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/3 cups unsweetened almond milk (320 g), unsweetened original
  • 2 Tbsp instant coffee granules
  • 1 Tbsp light olive oil (or melted coconut oil or avocado oil)

Filling

  • 500 g coffee bean paste

Instructions

  1. Heat Almond Milk and Dissolve Coffee: Heat the almond milk in a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup until hot, about 2 minutes. Stir in the instant coffee granules until completely dissolved. Let the mixture cool so it is warm but not hot, then set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine bread flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  3. Add Coffee Almond Milk: Pour the warm coffee almond milk into the dry ingredients. Begin kneading on low speed (speed 2) for about 1 minute to combine.
  4. Add Oil and Knead Dough: Add the olive oil and continue kneading for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the bowl and forms a smooth, supple ball. Adjust with 1-2 tablespoons more almond milk or bread flour if needed, depending on flour protein content and kitchen humidity.
  5. First Rise: Remove dough from the mixer bowl, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.
  6. Divide and Shape: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer to a generously floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-14 equal pieces.
  7. Fill and Shape Buns: Wrap each dough piece around the prepared coffee bean paste filling, sealing well. Place each bun on a square of parchment or steamer paper.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the filled buns and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
  9. Prepare Steamer and Steam: Meanwhile, bring water to a boil and prepare the steamer. Transfer the buns to the steaming pan and steam for 15 minutes until cooked through and fluffy.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Remove buns from the steamer and enjoy warm.
  11. Storage Notes: Store steamed buns well wrapped at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by steaming for 10 minutes before serving to enjoy freshly steamed texture.

Notes

  • Sift and level bread flour for accurate measurement to ensure proper dough texture.
  • You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or other preferred sweeteners, but adjust sweetness and moisture as needed.
  • Adjust the amount of almond milk or flour used depending on the humidity and protein content of your flour to achieve a supple dough.
  • Steamer paper or parchment squares prevent buns from sticking during steaming.
  • Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading, or knead by hand for best results.
  • The coffee bean paste filling is readily available in Asian grocery stores or specialty shops; you can substitute with any sweet bean paste or a chocolate spread if preferred.

Keywords: coffee steamed buns, almond milk buns, vegan steamed buns, coffee bean paste, Asian steamed buns, homemade steamed buns