Cream Cheese Red Bean Bread
Homemade Soft Cream Cheese Red Bean Bread Recipe
Experience bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen! This recipe yields incredibly soft bread filled generously with sweet red bean paste and creamy cheese. It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and is perfect for a cozy homemade baking session.
Bread Dough Ingredients- 540g bread flour (sifted 2-3 times)
- 50g sugar
- 12g instant dry yeast
- 400g warm milk (around body temperature)
- 40g unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
Sweet Filling Ingredients- 250g red bean paste (adjust to taste)
- 300g cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 30g powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp milk
Toppings (Optional)- Sesame seeds
- Walnuts (chopped)
- Cream cheese
- 250g red bean paste (adjust to taste)
- 300g cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 30g powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp milk
Toppings (Optional)- Sesame seeds
- Walnuts (chopped)
- Cream cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully measure out all the ingredients needed for both the bread dough and the filling. Sifting the bread flour 2-3 times will result in a softer texture for your bread.
Step 2
Pour 400g of warm milk into a microwave-safe container and heat it to approximately body temperature (around 35-40°C). Be careful not to overheat, as this can kill the yeast. Add 12g of instant dry yeast and 50g of sugar to the warmed milk. Let it sit for 10-14 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. You should see a foamy layer develop on top, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 3
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sifted bread flour, the activated yeast mixture, and 1 egg yolk. Begin mixing. Once the dough starts to come together, add 40g of softened unsalted butter. Continue to knead the dough until the surface is smooth and elastic. You can test for proper gluten development by stretching a piece of dough thinly; it should become translucent without tearing easily. Kneading by hand typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4
Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it undergo its first proof in a warm place (around 27-30°C) for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
Step 5
Once the first proof is complete, gently punch down the dough to release the gas. Divide the dough into portions of approximately 60g each. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and cover them with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. This ‘bench rest’ makes the dough more pliable for shaping.
Step 6
In a separate bowl, combine 300g of softened cream cheese with 30g of powdered sugar. Mix well with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. Take a rested dough ball and gently flatten it on your work surface using your palm or a rolling pin. Place a portion of the red bean paste and a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the seams tightly to seal and prevent any leakage during baking. Ensure a good seal.
Step 7
Place the filled buns onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Gently press down the tops of the buns slightly with your palm to help them spread evenly as they bake. Cover the buns with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let them undergo their second proof in a warm place for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have increased in size to about 80% of their final desired volume.
Step 8
After the second proof, use the bottom of a round cup or a similar tool to gently press the center of each bun, creating a flat indentation. Then, using scissors or a sharp knife, make two shallow slits in the flattened area.
Step 9
For a more decorative look, you can use scissors to cut patterns into the top of the buns, or simply leave them as is. Brush the tops evenly with an egg wash (1 egg mixed with 2 tsp milk). Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step 10
If desired, you can add a small swirl of cream cheese on top of the buns or sprinkle with chopped walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
Step 11
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Step 12
Remove the baked buns from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. While they are delicious warm, allowing them to cool fully will allow the flavors and textures to meld beautifully. Enjoy your homemade cream cheese red bean bread!
