Asian > Japanese > Manjū

Custard Cream Manjū Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup custard cream

Special equipment needed:
- Manjū mold (can be found at Japanese specialty stores or online)

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Use a round cookie cutter or cup to cut out circles of dough.
8. Place each circle of dough into the manjū mold and press it down to create a well in the center.
9. Fill each well with custard cream.
10. Cover the custard cream with a small piece of dough and press the edges together to seal.
11. Place the filled molds onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until the manjū are golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing from the molds.


Time:
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Bake at 350°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 manjū

Nutritional information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Custard cream can be substituted with red bean paste or any other filling of your choice.

Variations:
- Matcha Manjū: Add 1 tbsp of matcha powder to the dough mixture for a green tea flavor.
- Chocolate Manjū: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough mixture for a chocolate flavor.
- Fruit Manjū: Fill the molds with fresh fruit or fruit preserves instead of custard cream.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to knead the dough well to ensure a smooth and elastic texture.
- Use a small amount of flour to dust the molds to prevent sticking.
- Let the manjū cool slightly before removing from the molds to prevent them from falling apart.

Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
Microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the manjū on a plate and dust with powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
Top with whipped cream or fresh fruit.

Pairings:
Serve with green tea or hot cocoa.

Suggested side dishes:
Mochi or dango.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of milk until it becomes smooth.
- If the manjū are sticking to the molds, dust the molds with more flour or use cooking spray.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and store the manjū properly to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
Manjū is a traditional Japanese sweet that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
The custard cream filling is sweet and creamy, while the dough is slightly sweet and buttery.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or snack.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Custard, Fluffy, Custard-Flavored