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Filipino custard buns on a white plate with a basket of bread rolls and cup of coffee in the background.
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3.94 from 15 votes

Yema Bread Rolls

Soft, fluffy Custard Buns filled with sweet and creamy yema. Delicious for breakfast or as a snack with coffee or tea!
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time30 minutes
Rising3 hours
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Course: Baked Goods
Cuisine: Global
Servings: 15 Servings
Calories: 244kcal

Equipment

  • round baking pan

Ingredients

For the Bread

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup warm water heated to 105 F to 110 F
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ½ cups flour
  • 1 egg beaten for egg wash

For the Yema

  • 1 potato peeled and quartered
  • egg beaten
  • 4 teaspoons milk
  • 1 cup condensed milk

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Stir well, and let stand for about 15-20 minutes until foamy and thick.
  • Add the eggs, milk, the remaining sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon.
  • Gradually add 3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, stirring well as you add, until the dough gathers into a shaggy mass. If the dough is still too wet, add some of the remaining flour and stir until the dough gathers in the center of the bowl.
  • Turn the dough over on a floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl. Allow it to rise for 1 and ½ to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Yema filling:

  • In a saucepan over medium, combine potato and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until very tender.  
  • Drain the potatoes and mash with the 4 teaspoons of milk until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add condensed milk, 4 tablespoons of the mashed potato, and the remaining egg from the dough ingredients. 
  • Stir the mixture constantly until thick and spreadable, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Assemble the Yema Bread Rolls

  • Gently punch the dough down. Divide it into 12 portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
  • Roll out each dough into an oval, then spoon and spread about half a tablespoon of the yema filling in the center.
  • From the shorter edge, roll twice, then fold and press the edges. Continue rolling and pinching the edges to completely seal. Do the same with the rest of the dough
  • Arrange the rolls, seam side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and allow to rise for about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
  • Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • The right temperature of the milk is crucial for proofing the yeast; heat your milk to 105°F to 110°F. Remember that yeast is a living organism, and a hot liquid will kill it!
  • If the yeast mixture does not foam after 20 minutes, the yeast is probably "dead," so discard the mixture and start with a fresh pack.
  • To simplify the process, you can prepare the custard filling a day ahead. Transfer to a container and press plastic wrap on the surface to keep film from forming.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 212IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg