Name: Easy Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns with Creamy Coffee Paste Filling Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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); 500 g coffee bean paste

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Introduction

These Easy Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, filled with a creamy coffee paste that coffee lovers will adore. Soft, fluffy, and lightly infused with coffee flavor, they make a perfect snack or breakfast treat.

A soft, light brown round bun sits centered on a white square paper liner, placed on a rustic dark wooden square plate with carved edges. On top of the bun, there are several small dark brown shiny coffee beans, with a few more scattered around the base on the wooden plate. The background is a smooth white marbled surface, giving a clean contrast to the warm colors of the bun and plate. Another similar bun and plate are slightly blurred in the background to the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 recommended

2 Tbsp instant coffee granules
1 Tbsp light olive oil (or melted coconut oil or avocado oil)
500 g coffee bean paste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the almond milk in a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup until hot, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the instant coffee granules until completely dissolved. Let cool until warm but not hot, then set aside.
Step 3: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

Step 4: Pour the warm coffee almond milk into the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Knead the dough on a low setting (speed 2) for about a minute until ingredients are mostly combined.
Step 6: Add the olive oil and continue kneading for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough pulls away from the bowl and forms a smooth, supple ball.

Step 7: If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of almond milk or bread flour to adjust dough consistency based on flour protein content and kitchen conditions.
Step 8: Remove the dough from the bowl and place in a lightly greased bowl.
Step 9: Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.

Step 10: Punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Divide into 12-14 equal pieces.
Step 11: Wrap each dough piece around the coffee bean paste filling and place each bun on parchment or steamer paper squares.
Step 12: Cover and let the buns rise for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 13: Meanwhile, boil water and prepare your steamer.
Step 14: Place the buns in the steamer and steam for 15 minutes.
Step 15: Remove and enjoy your warm, fluffy coffee-filled steamed buns!

Tips & Variations

Use melted coconut or avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor profile.
If you don’t have coffee bean paste, try using sweetened red bean paste mixed with a little instant coffee powder for a similar taste.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar amount to suit your preference.

Ensure your almond milk is unsweetened to control the overall sweetness of the dough.

Storage

Store steamed buns wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, freeze them in a plastic freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy after freezing, defrost at room temperature or steam for 10 minutes to restore softness and warmth.

How to Serve

A close-up of a steamed bun split open to show its filling, which is smooth and thick with a light brown color, almost a caramel shade. The bun’s outer layer is soft and fluffy with a pale beige tone. The bun sits on a dark wooden square tray with a few scattered dark brown coffee beans around it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk for almond milk. The dough will still turn out soft, but using almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the coffee.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. It may take a little longer, but the results will be just as good.