Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Plastic wrap
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix on low speed until combined.
2. Add warm milk and egg to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
3. Add softened butter to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. In a small saucepan, combine caramel sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes caramel-like.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
7. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc and spoon a tablespoon of caramel sauce onto the center of each disc.
8. Gather the edges of the dough around the caramel sauce and pinch them together to seal the filling inside.
9. Place the filled dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Brush the tops of the dough balls with the remaining caramel sauce.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
12. Let the melonpan cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the caramel sauce with chocolate sauce or fruit jam.
- You can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Use different fillings such as cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before adding it to the dough to ensure a smooth texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles in size.
- Brushing the tops of the melonpan with caramel sauce before baking will give them a shiny and caramelized finish.
Storage instructions:
- Store the melonpan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the melonpan in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the melonpan on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Arrange the melonpan on a cake stand for an elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the melonpan for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve the melonpan with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait would make great side dishes for the melonpan.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit of flour until it becomes smooth.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little bit of milk until it becomes smooth.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment before starting the recipe.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the melonpan reaches 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Melonpan is a popular Japanese sweet bread that originated in the 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
- The caramel filling adds a sweet and rich flavor to the soft and fluffy bread.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the melonpan warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Japanese
Taste: Sweet, Caramelized, Fruity, Rich