Bangkok Butter Swirl

Background

The Bangkok Butter Swirl is a delightful fusion dessert that marries the silky texture of butter with the aromatic zest of traditional Thai flavors. This dessert is a decadent swirl of buttery pastry interlaced with rich coconut and aromatic spices, reminiscent of the bustling streets and vibrant markets of Bangkok.

Originating from the heart of Thailand, this dessert captures the essence of Bangkok's culinary diversity. Known for blending sweet, salty, sour, and spicy, this dessert was first crafted by creative local pastry chefs seeking to meld Thai cuisine's bold flavors with the comforting familiarity of a buttery swirl.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Unsalted butter - 1 cup, chilled and cubed
• Granulated sugar - 1/2 cup
• Coconut milk - 1/4 cup
• Shredded coconut - 1/2 cup
• Egg - 1 large, beaten
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Lime zest - 1 teaspoon

Preparation

Making the Dough

Start by combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, blend in unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and egg until smooth. Add in vanilla extract and coconut milk, and blend until well combined.

Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form. Knead briefly on a lightly floured surface until smooth.

Creating the Filling

For the filling, mix shredded coconut, cinnamon, and lime zest in a bowl. This mix will provide the aromatic twist characteristic of the Bangkok experience.

Cooking Process

Rolling and Assembling

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly distribute the coconut mixture over the dough.

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the filling remains inside. Next, cut the log into 1-inch slices to reveal beautiful swirls of filling amidst layers of buttery dough. Place the slices cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While waiting, allow the dough swirls to chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes— this helps them maintain their shape during baking.

Bake the swirls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. You can monitor the time using a cooking timer to ensure perfect results.

How to Enjoy

Allow the Bangkok Butter Swirl to cool slightly before serving. The balance of sweetness from the coconut and the buttery richness perfectly pairs with a warm cup of Thai tea.

These swirls make for an excellent tea-time treat or a delightful dessert after a hearty Thai meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container; they are best enjoyed within three days to savor the freshness of the tropical ingredients. Enjoy your culinary journey through Bangkok with every bite!