Pumpkin-shaped buns filled with cream: a sweet fall delight

These Pumpkin-shaped buns are soft, moist, and filled with a rich custard that brings the comforting flavors of fall to life. Shaped like little pumpkins, they are perfect for welcoming the fall season. The dough is made with simple ingredients like flour, milk, butter and flavored with vanilla and citrus zest, making each bite a delicate balance of sweetness and fragrance. Finished covered with a layer of sugar and filled with a creamy pastry cream, these little breads are irresistible treats, fun to make and delicious to eat!

Why you will love this recipe: This recipe combines soft, buttery dough with a creamy filling, creating a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. The pumpkin shape makes it festive and fun, perfect for fall celebrations or just enjoying with family. The slightly sweet dough, enhanced with citrus zest and vanilla, pairs wonderfully with the creamy custard filling. Plus, frying the buns gives them a light and airy texture with a crisp exterior, making them even more irresistible.

Perfect occasion: These pumpkin-shaped buns are ideal for any fall get-together, holiday dessert table, or weekend baking project. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or looking to impress your guests with a unique treat, these dinner rolls are a festive addition. They’re also perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just to accompany a hot drink on a cool fall day.

Decorating Tips: For an authentic pumpkin look, tie the buns with kitchen twine before frying to create pumpkin-like segments. After frying, coat them with caster sugar for a sweet crunch. You can also add a small piece of pretzel stick or chocolate as a stem for an extra touch of charm.

Recipe:

Ingredients for the buns:

• 350 g 0 flour (you can substitute Manitoba flour if you wish)
• 150 ml of milk
• 35 g of soft butter (take out of the refrigerator 1 hour before)
• 1 egg
• 7g of fresh brewer’s yeast
• 50g caster sugar
• 1 sachet of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of vanilla essence
• Grated zest of an orange or lemon

For the custard filling:

• 250 ml of milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• Lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh brewer’s yeast in the warm milk. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla and citrus zest. Add the milk and yeast mixture, the egg and the softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
2. First climb: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
3. Shape the buns: Once the dough has risen, roll it out and divide it into equal portions of approximately 70 g each. Roll each portion into a ball. Using kitchen twine, lightly tie each ball to create the pumpkin segments. Be careful not to tighten too much because the dough will rise.
4. Second climb: Let the shaped buns rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Fry the buns: Heat the peanut oil in a deep skillet over medium-low heat, making sure the oil stays at a constant temperature. Fry the buns in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the oil and drain them on absorbent paper. While they are still hot, roll them in caster sugar.
6. Prepare the pastry cream: In a saucepan, heat the milk with the lemon zest. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and flour until smooth. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Fill the buns: Once the buns have cooled, carefully remove the string. Fill a piping bag with the cooled pastry cream and inject it into each loaf from the bottom or side.

These Pumpkin-shaped buns are a delicious fall treat, combining soft, chewy dough with a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for cozy autumn days or festive gatherings, they will bring a touch of seasonal magic to any occasion. Appreciate!