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There’s something wonderfully comforting about fresh bread wafting through the house. When I first decided to experiment with a no-knead method, I never imagined I would stumble upon a treasure like Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns. The fluffy texture combined with the nutty flavor of black sesame and the warm spice of cardamom creates a delightful experience that turns everyday moments into something extraordinary.

After a long day, these buns become my simple ritual: mixing the ingredients together without the fuss of kneading, and letting time do the work. As they rise, the anticipation builds—imagine pulling apart a warm bun, the rich aroma enveloping you as you spread on a layer of creamy frosting. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering or sneaking one for a midnight snack, they’re sure to become a crowd-pleaser.

Join me in creating these delightful buns that are not just easy to make but also add a touch of elegance to any meal. Let’s turn our kitchens into bakeries and savor the joys of homemade goodness!

Why are Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns irresistible?

Irresistible flavor combination: The nutty black sesame paired with aromatic cardamom creates a unique taste that sets these buns apart.
Easy preparation: With a no-knead method, you can enjoy homemade bread without the fuss of traditional techniques.
Fluffy texture: The soft and airy texture makes for a perfect bite, whether you’re enjoying them fresh or toasted.
Versatile addition: They’re great for brunch, snacks, or dessert, making them a delightful choice for any occasion.
Time-saving: Minimal active work means you can focus on other tasks as the dough rises, perfect for busy days!
Indulge in these delicious buns that are sure to impress! If you’re interested in more easy-to-make bread recipes, check out our simple no-knead bread recipes.

Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns Ingredients

For the Dough

195 g bread flour – This is the foundation for the perfect texture of your buns.
55 g cake flour – Added for a lighter, fluffier crumb that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling.
30 g granulated sugar – Provides a touch of sweetness that enhances the flavor profile.
1 large egg – Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
1/2 teaspoon salt or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon miso – Salt enhances flavor, while miso brings a subtle depth and umami twist.
30 g salted or unsalted butter, softened – Contributes to the soft texture and delicious buttery flavor.
2 to 3 g active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise beautifully, creating those irresistible fluffy buns.
140 g milk (warmed to 110°F) – Warm milk activates the yeast for a perfect rise.

For the Filling

About 3 to 4 tablespoons Black Sesame Crunchy Butter – This unique ingredient adds a nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
About 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar – A hint of caramel flavor that pairs well with the black sesame.
Dashes of ground cardamom – Infuses a lovely warmth and aromatic spice throughout the buns.

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides a rich and creamy base for your frosting.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – Adds a luxurious texture to the frosting.
1 teaspoon miso – A secret ingredient that gives an interesting flavor depth.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
2 tablespoons Black Sesame Crunchy Butter – Repeats the nutty theme and makes the frosting extra special.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens the frosting to perfect, creamy consistency.

For Topping

Black sesame powder for dusting, optional – A decorative touch that adds extra flavor if desired.
An egg, beaten, for egg wash (or alternative) – Helps achieve a beautiful golden crust on your buns.

These Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns promise a delightful baking experience that will leave your home filled with warmth and a tempting aroma. Get ready to enjoy every bite!

How to Make Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns

Combine Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, mix the bread flour, cake flour, sugar, egg, salt (or miso), and softened butter. This forms the base for your dough—set aside for now.
Activate Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the yeast with a pinch of sugar and warmed milk. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready!
Mix Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the stand mixer. Mix on low speed until an elastic dough forms. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit of flour. The perfect dough should feel both wet and tacky, yet not sticky.
Let Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and cover it. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 60 minutes, or refrigerate it overnight for a deeper flavor.
Prepare Baking Dish: While the dough rises, grease or line a 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Shape the Dough: Once risen, gently deflate the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/6 to 1/4-inch thick.
Add Filling: Spread the Black Sesame Crunchy Butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle with brown sugar and dust with cardamom for that warm spice!
Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly around the filling to create a log. Cut it into 9 equal rolls and place them into the prepared baking dish.
Proof Again: Cover the dish and let the rolls proof for 60 minutes. They should become puffy and roughly 1.5 times their original size.
Preheat Oven: About 20 to 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), so it’s hot and ready for those buns!
Egg Wash: If desired, brush the tops of the buns with a beaten egg for a beautiful golden crust.
Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. After 20 minutes, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Make the Frosting: While the buns bake, prepare the frosting by whisking together softened cream cheese, butter, miso, vanilla extract, and Black Sesame Crunchy Butter. Blend in the confectioners’ sugar until creamy and smooth.
Cool and Frost: Once the buns are golden and baked through, remove them from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Once cool, add your frosting, and if you’re feeling fancy, top with a dusting of black sesame powder!

Optional: Toast them slightly for an added crunch and warmth!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first three steps and let it rise before refrigerating the covered dough overnight. You can also roll and cut the buns ahead; cover them with plastic wrap after shaping and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow the buns to proof for 1 hour at room temperature before preheating the oven. This ensures they’re just as delicious and fluffy! Make-ahead prep not only saves time but lets you enjoy fresh, homemade bread whenever you crave it.

What to Serve with Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns?

Imagine a heartwarming meal where every bite unfolds a blend of fragrant spices and rich flavors.

Savory Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the nuttiness of the buns, creating a comforting harmony.
Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with citrus vinaigrette adds brightness, balancing the richness of the buns perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Garlic-infused roasted veggies enhance the overall flavor, offering a delightful contrast to the sweet, cardamom notes.
Creamy Butter: Serve with homemade herb butter for an indulgent spread—each bite becomes a little taste of heaven.
Fruit Chutney: Pair with a tangy fruit chutney for a sweet-spicy contrast that elevates the bun’s flavor profile.
Herbal Tea: Sipping on a soothing chamomile or mint tea will perfectly accent the aromatic spices in each heavenly bite.
Chocolate Ganache: For dessert, drizzle with warm chocolate ganache to make a decadent finish, enhanced by the nutty sesame flavor!
Milk or Almond Milk: A glass of cold milk or almond milk is a lovely classic choice. It refreshes the palate after every savory bite.

Creating a full meal around these delightful Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns is all about balancing textures and flavors for a truly memorable experience!

Tips for the Best Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns

Perfect Dough Texture: The dough should feel wet and tacky but not stick to your fingers. Adjust with flour if necessary for the right consistency.

Accurate Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warmed to 110°F to properly activate the yeast. Too hot or cold can hinder rising.

Proper Proofing: Allow enough time for the dough to rise until puffy. If you’re in a hurry, a warm oven (turned off) can help speed up the process.

Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the buns after 20 minutes; covering with foil helps prevent them from burning while fully baking through.

Creamy Frosting: Whisk the frosting ingredients until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk for a creamier consistency.

Enjoy baking these delightful Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns that will warm your heart and home!

How to Store and Freeze Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns

Room Temperature: Keep the freshly baked buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain soft and delicious.

Fridge: If you need to store them longer, place the buns in the fridge for up to a week. Wrap them well to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the wrapped buns for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the oven for fresh taste.

Reheating: To enjoy them again, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. This will revive their fluffy texture and bring back that irresistible aroma.

Black Sesame and Cardamom Variations

Let your creativity shine as you customize these buns with delightful twists and unique substitutions.

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to create a soft and fluffy texture without the gluten.
Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and milk.
Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds, like walnuts or sunflower seeds, to elevate the texture and add a delightful crunch.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the filling for a warm, spicy surprise that’ll ignite your taste buds.
Dairy-Free Frosting: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and a touch of coconut cream for a rich and creamy frosting that everyone can enjoy.
Flavor Infusion: Experiment by swapping ground cardamom with other spices like cinnamon or ginger for a new flavor profile that blends beautifully.
Fruit-Enhanced: Incorporate some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots into the filling to introduce a sweet and chewy contrast with each bite.
Zesty Option: Add a bit of citrus zest—like orange or lemon—into the dough or filling for a refreshing twist that brightens up the flavors.

These variations let you play and personalize, ensuring every batch is a delightful adventure!

Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for my Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns?
Absolutely! Choose ingredients that are as fresh as possible. Your bread flour and cake flour should be free from lumps and not expired. For the eggs, pick ones that have a smooth shell without any cracks. The milk should be just warm enough—around 110°F—so it activates the yeast properly. If you’re using miso, opt for a smooth, high-quality kind for better flavor integration.

What is the best way to store leftover buns?
You can keep your freshly baked Black Sesame and Cardamom No-Knead Milk Bread Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days! If you’re planning to keep them longer, I recommend refrigerating them for up to a week—just wrap them tightly to avoid drying out. You’ll love them soft and ready to enjoy any time!

Can I freeze the buns for later use?
Very! Freezing is a fantastic way to enjoy these delicious buns later on. Here’s how:

Allow the buns to cool completely.
Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To thaw, just pop them in the fridge overnight, or if you’re in a hurry, warm them directly in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to the yeast being inactive. Ensure that your yeast is fresh; it should bubble and foam when mixed with warm milk. If the dough feels too wet, try adjusting with a bit more flour—aim for a wet but tacky consistency. Always ensure that your dough is kept in a warm spot to help with rising!

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Absolutely! Always be cautious with ingredients if you plan to share these buns. Miso and cream cheese can contain allergens. Avoid giving any to pets, especially chocolate as it’s toxic to them. If you’re working with food allergies, you might consider using dairy-free butter and a vegan cream cheese alternative for a friendly twist. Always check ingredient labels!

Can I modify the frosting for a lighter version?
Certainly! For a lighter frosting, you might try using Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese or mix in some whipped coconut cream for a fluffier alternative. Reducing the amount of confectioners’ sugar or omitting it can also lighten it up, and adding a bit of vanilla extract provides lovely flavor without extra calories!