Pineapple Bun
Introduction
The Pineapple Bun, known locally as "bo lo bao," is a famous pastry originating from Hong Kong. Despite its name, the Pineapple Bun contains no actual pineapple. Visually resembling a pineapple's skin due to its golden, sugary crust, this sweet treat is a beloved staple in Cantonese cuisine. This delightful pastry first appeared in Hong Kong in the mid-20th century and has since become a symbol of the region's vibrant food culture, often enjoyed during breakfast or tea time at local bakeries and tea restaurants.
Ingredients
Bun Dough
- All-purpose flour - 250g
- Sugar - 50g
- Salt - 1g
- Instant yeast - 5g
- Milk - 120ml
- Unsalted butter - 30g
- Egg - 1
Topping
- Unsalted butter - 60g
- Sugar - 50g
- Egg yolk - 1
- All-purpose flour - 70g
- Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Gradually add milk and egg, mixing until a rough dough forms. Knead in butter until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. Refer to a cooking timer to monitor the time effectively.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate flour until a dough forms. Roll into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Assemble the Pineapple Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Divide the chilled topping dough into 8 pieces. Flatten each piece and place it over the top of each dough ball, leaving the bottom exposed.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow the buns to rise for another 15 minutes. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown. Use a cooking timer to avoid over-baking.
Enjoying the Pineapple Bun
Serve Pineapple Buns warm with your favorite butter or jam. These buns pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the contrast of the crispy, sugary top with the soft, fluffy interior. Remember, though there’s no pineapple in this delightful pastry, its unique name adds to the charm and cultural significance.
Conclusion
The beloved Pineapple Bun encapsulates the essence of Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene. With a few simple techniques and timeless ingredients, you can recreate these iconic buns in your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual brunch or an afternoon snack, the Pineapple Bun is a testament to the wonderful culinary fusion found in Cantonese cuisine.