Directions:

Prepare the Custard:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Cook and Thicken:
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes a smooth custard.
3. Add Vanilla and Cool:
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, and vanilla extract. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the eggs and softened butter to the yeast mixture and mix well.
3. Form the Dough:
   • Gradually add the flour, kneading until a soft, smooth dough forms.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Assemble the Bread Rolls:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
3. Spread the Custard:
   • Evenly spread the cooled custard over the dough.
4. Form the Rolls:
   • Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, like a Swiss roll. Cut the roll into slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Add Topping:
   • Brush the top of each roll with the egg yolk and milk mixture and sprinkle with almond flakes.

Bake:

1. Bake the Rolls:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
2. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions:

• These rolls are perfect served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
• Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.

Cooking Tips:

• Check the Custard Consistency: If the custard is too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
• Dough Texture: The dough should be soft but not sticky; add more flour if needed.
• Alternative Toppings: Use chopped nuts, like hazelnuts or pecans, for a different topping option.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in Protein: Eggs in both the custard and dough provide a good source of protein.
• Calcium from Milk: The milk used in the custard and dough is a great source of calcium.
• Energy Boosting: The sugar and carbs in the rolls offer a quick energy boost, perfect for an indulgent treat.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
• Contains Gluten: Not suitable for gluten-free diets due to the use of all-purpose flour.
• Contains Dairy: Use dairy-free alternatives for milk and butter to adapt to lactose-free diets.

Nutritional Facts (per roll, based on 12 rolls):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Soft and Fluffy: The dough is light and airy, making for a perfectly fluffy roll.
• Rich Custard Filling: The homemade custard adds a creamy, luxurious layer.
• Great for Any Occasion: These rolls make a great addition to breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Conclusion:

Custard-Filled Sweet Bread Rolls are a delicious, comforting treat that combines the soft, fluffy texture of homemade bread with the creamy richness of vanilla custard. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Try them out today and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different filling for the rolls?
   • Yes, you can use fruit preserves, chocolate spread, or a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of custard.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
3. How can I make the custard dairy-free?
   • Substitute regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free alternative.
4. How do I know when the rolls are done?
   • The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
5. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   • Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
6. Can I add dried fruits to the dough?
   • Absolutely! Dried raisins, cranberries, or apricots would be a lovely addition.
7. How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
   • Ensure to cover the rolls with a damp cloth while they are rising to prevent them from drying out.
8. What is the best way to store leftovers?
   • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
9. Can I freeze the rolls after baking?
   • Yes, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
10. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    • Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. You may need to adjust the liquid ratio.