The moment that warm almond milk mingles with rich coffee granules, you can’t help but feel a wave of comfort wash over you. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe for Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns during one of those cozy Sunday afternoons when the aroma of brewed coffee filled my kitchen and my heart yearned for something truly special. If you’re tired of the same fast-food routine and craving a homemade treat that offers both nostalgia and excitement, these buns are a perfect solution.
Imagine serving those pillowy-soft buns to friends at brunch or enjoying a quiet evening treat with a cup of tea—thankfully, they’re easier to make than you might think! With the combination of nutty almond milk and bold coffee flavor, these steamed buns will steal the spotlight and impress anyone who tastes them. Ready to elevate your snack game? Let’s get those buns steaming!
Why are Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns irresistible?
Thumbs up for flavor! The delightful combination of coffee and almond milk creates a uniquely rich taste that wakes up your palate.
Soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth makes every bite a decadent experience.
Versatile treat—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
Impressive presentation: Serve these buns to wow your family and friends without hours in the kitchen.
Quick prep: With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you’ll be done in no time!
Indulge your cravings and try making these marvelous buns—your taste buds will thank you!
Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns Ingredients
For the Dough
- Bread flour – Sifted and leveled for a light and airy texture.
- Instant yeast – This gives the buns their delightful rise without the long waiting time.
- Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the coffee flavor perfectly.
- Salt – Enhances all the other flavors in this delicious recipe.
- Baking powder – Ensures that your buns are fluffy and springy in each bite.
For the Liquid
- Unsweetened almond milk – The star ingredient that keeps the buns moist and adds a nutty essence.
- Instant coffee granules – Provides a bold coffee flavor that truly elevates the steamed buns.
- Light olive oil – Helps achieve a tender crumb and adds richness to the dough.
For the Filling
- Coffee bean paste – A decadent surprise inside your buns, giving them a true coffee lover’s delight.
With these ingredients ready, you’re just moments away from creating the most heavenly Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns that will grace your table!
How to Make Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns
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Heat the Milk: Warm the almond milk in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes until hot. Stir in the instant coffee granules, mixing until dissolved, then let cool to a warm temperature.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder. This blend sets the foundation for your fluffy buns!
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Mix the Dough: Gradually pour the warm coffee almond milk into the dry ingredients. Knead the dough at a low speed for about a minute until it starts to come together.
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Add Oil and Knead: Incorporate the olive oil into the dough, and knead for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy, pulling away cleanly from the bowl.
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Let It Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.
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Shape the Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air and place it on a floured surface. Divide it into 12-14 equal pieces for perfectly sized buns.
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Wrap the Filling: Take each dough piece and wrap it around the coffee bean paste filling. Place the filled buns on parchment squares or steamer paper. Cover and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.
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Prepare to Steam: Get your steamer ready and bring water to a boil. This step is essential for that soft, delightful texture in your buns.
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Steam the Buns: Carefully transfer the buns to the steaming pan. Steam for about 15 minutes, until fluffy and fully cooked.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns are perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy homemade goodness with less hassle! You can prepare the dough and fill the buns up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap the assembled buns and refrigerate them. To maintain that delightful softness, ensure they’re tightly covered to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to indulge, let them come to room temperature while the steamer heats up, then steam for about 15 minutes. This way, you can savor warm, pillowy buns with minimal effort, making them an excellent option for meal prep or impromptu gatherings!
Storage Tips for Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns
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Room Temperature: Store uneaten buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
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Fridge: If you want to keep the buns longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Just remember that they might lose some of their fluffiness!
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Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the buns individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, steam the frozen buns for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 30-45 seconds to warm them back up. You’ll love these Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns fresh!
Expert Tips for Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns
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Knead Thoroughly: Ensure the dough is kneaded well for 8 to 10 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns their desired texture.
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Check Temperature: Make sure the almond milk is warm, not hot, when mixing with coffee granules; this prevents killing the yeast and ensures proper rising.
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Rise Time: Allow enough rise time—60 to 90 minutes for the first rise will ensure fluffy buns. Don’t rush this step!
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Parchment Squares: Use parchment paper squares for steaming; this prevents your buns from sticking and makes handling easier.
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Don’t Overfill: When wrapping the filling, keep each bun modestly filled. Overfilling can cause them to burst during steaming.
Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that can add even more personality to your buns!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a wonderful gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
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Nut Milk Swap: Use oat or soy milk instead of almond milk for a different creaminess and flavor profile in your dough.
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Decaf Delight: Replace instant coffee with decaffeinated coffee granules to enjoy these buns any time of day without the caffeine kick.
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Spiced Bliss: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients to give your buns a warm, comforting spice that complements the coffee beautifully.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey twist, making each bun irresistibly rich and indulgent.
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Caramel Center: Instead of coffee bean paste, fill your buns with a dollop of caramel sauce for a gooey, sweet surprise inside.
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Berries Burst: Fold in dried cranberries or blueberries into the dough for delightful fruity pops that brighten each bite.
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Savory Spin: Try adding grated cheese or herbs to the filling for a savory twist that turns these buns into a perfect appetizer or snack.
Let your creativity run wild with these variations, transforming your Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns into something uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing these delightful buns with complementary sides and treats that enhance their rich flavors.
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Silky Coconut Cream: Serve with a dollop of coconut cream for a luscious, tropical twist that balances the coffee notes beautifully.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of berries and citrus will bring a refreshing contrast, providing a burst of sweetness and acidity.
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Matcha Green Tea: The earthy notes of matcha wonderfully complement the coffee flavor, creating a harmonious balance on your palate.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a little warm chocolate sauce over the buns adds indulgence and decadence, perfect for a gourmet treat.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can enhance the texture experience while offering a delightful, creamy counterpart to your steamed buns.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices in a chai latte pair perfectly with the coffee flavors, wrapping you in cozy comfort with each bite.
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Cheese Platter: Incorporate a selection of mild cheeses for a savory contrast; their creaminess adds richness to your meal.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dust: Sprinkling some cinnamon sugar over the buns before serving can add a sweet warmth and a delicious aromatic experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm buns with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful hot-and-cold contrast that’s utterly irresistible.
Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my steamed buns?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality bread flour that’s freshly sifted and leveled. When choosing almond milk, opt for unsweetened to control the sugar content, and ensure your instant coffee granules are fresh for a bold taste. Look for plump coffee bean paste to give the filling a rich, smooth texture.
How should I store leftover steamed buns?
Very good question! If you have any buns left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best freshness. If they need to keep longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days—though they may lose some fluffiness. For maximum long-term storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze the Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the buns to cool completely first. Then, individually wrap each bun in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh. Place the wrapped buns in a zip-top freezer bag and lay them flat in the freezer; they can last for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply steam them from frozen for about 10 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds to warm them up.
What can I do if my dough isn’t rising properly?
Very! If your dough doesn’t rise as expected, a few steps can help troubleshoot. First, check that the yeast is active—verify it’s within the expiration date. Ensure your almond milk isn’t too hot when mixed with yeast, as this can kill it. If the environment is too cold, try placing the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot, like an oven preheated to 200°F for a few minutes and then turned off, which often helps the dough rise better.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
I recommend it! This recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to almond milk, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. However, if you or anyone sharing is allergic to nuts, consider using an alternative non-dairy milk like oat or soy milk. Always double-check the instant coffee for any additional allergens, mainly if flavored varieties are used. Enjoy safely!
Can these buns be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and form the buns ahead of time. After shaping them and wrapping around the filling, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring to a bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, all you need to do is steam them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw first! Enjoy your fresh steaming buns anytime!
Heavenly Coffee & Almond Milk Steamed Buns for Your Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the almond milk in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes until hot. Stir in the instant coffee granules, mixing until dissolved, then let cool to a warm temperature.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually pour the warm coffee almond milk into the dry ingredients. Knead the dough at a low speed for about a minute until it starts to come together.
- Incorporate the olive oil into the dough, and knead for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air and place it on a floured surface. Divide it into 12-14 equal pieces.
- Take each dough piece and wrap it around the coffee bean paste filling. Place the filled buns on parchment squares or steamer paper. Cover and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.
- Get your steamer ready and bring water to a boil.
- Carefully transfer the buns to the steaming pan. Steam for about 15 minutes, until fluffy and fully cooked.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
