Indulge in the delightful flavors of Hong Kong with this homemade Pineapple Bun recipe. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with a sweet, crumbly crust, these buns are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day. Learn how to make them from scratch and bring a taste of Hong Kong to your kitchen!

Here's a recipe for Hong Kong Pineapple Buns:

Ingredients:

  - 300g bread flour

  - 60g cake flour

  - 50g granulated sugar

  - 1/2 tsp salt

  - 1 large egg

  - 140ml milk

  - 5g instant yeast

  - 40g unsalted butter, softened

For the topping:

  - 60g unsalted butter, softened

  - 60g powdered sugar

  - 1 egg, beaten

  - 120g cake flour

  - 1/2 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

1- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, cake flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, milk, and yeast. Mix until a rough dough forms. Add the softened butter and knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

2- Prepare the topping: In a bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the beaten egg and mix well. Fold in the cake flour and baking powder until a smooth paste forms. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

3- Shape the buns: Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into round balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

4- Add the topping: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Take the topping paste out of the fridge and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each portion and place it on top of each bun, gently pressing it down to cover the surface.

5- Bake the buns: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the buns are cooked through.

6- Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the sweet buns warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Hong Kong Pineapple Bun recipe per serving:

For the Ingredients:

300g bread flour:

 - Calories: Approximately 1080 kcal

 - Fat: 3g

 - Carbohydrates: 228g

 - Protein: 9g

 - Benefits:Provides essential carbohydrates and some protein, ideal for creating a chewy texture in baked goods.

60g cake flour:

 - Calories: Approximately 210 kcal

 - Fat: 0.6g

 - Carbohydrates: 45g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Benefits:Offers a finer texture and is lower in protein than bread flour, contributing to a lighter crumb in cakes and pastries.

50g granulated sugar:

 - Calories: Approximately 200 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 50g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Benefits:Adds sweetness; use in moderation to manage calorie and sugar intake.

1/2 tsp salt:

 - Calories:0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Benefits:Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten structure.

1 large egg:

 - Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

 - Fat: 5g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 6g

 - Benefits:Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

140ml milk:

 - Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

 - Fat: 4g

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 4g

 - Benefits:Adds moisture, richness, and nutrients like calcium and protein.

5g instant yeast:

 - Calories: Approximately 15 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Benefits:Helps dough rise by producing carbon dioxide, contributing to a lighter texture.

40g unsalted butter (for dough):

 - Calories: Approximately 290 kcal

 - Fat: 32g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Benefits:Adds richness and flavor; contributes to a tender texture.

60g unsalted butter (for filling):

 - Calories: Approximately 430 kcal

 - Fat: 48g

 - Carbohydrates :0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Benefits:Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the filling.

60g powdered sugar:

 - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 60g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Benefits:Adds sweetness and a smooth texture to the filling; use in moderation to manage sugar intake.

1 egg (for filling):

 - Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

 - Fat: 5g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 6g

 - Benefits:Adds richness and helps bind the filling ingredients together.

120g cake flour (for filling):

 - Calories: Approximately 430 kcal

 - Fat: 1.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 90g

 - Protein :4g

 - Benefits:Provides a finer texture for a delicate filling.

1/2 tsp baking powder:

 - Calories:0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Benefits:Helps the filling rise and become light and fluffy.

These ingredients are used to create a rich and tender dough and a sweet, buttery filling. The combination of bread flour and cake flour helps achieve the desired texture, while the butter and eggs provide flavor and richness. The instant yeast and baking powder contribute to a light and airy texture.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.