Here’s a soft, sweet, and iconic Pineapple Bun (Bolo Bao) — a classic Hong Kong bakery treat named for its crackly, sugar-crusted top, which resembles a pineapple.
🍍 Pineapple Bun (Bolo Bao)
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 8 buns)
🍞 Sweet Bun Dough
- 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
🍍 Sugar Crust Topping
- ¼ cup (50 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Optional: a pinch of vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and egg; mix into a dough.
- Knead in softened butter until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer).
- Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
2️⃣ Make the Sugar Crust
- Cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla (if using).
- Mix in flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms.
- Chill briefly to firm up (10–15 minutes).
3️⃣ Shape the Buns
- Punch down dough; divide into 8 portions and shape into smooth balls.
- Divide sugar crust dough into 8 portions.
- Flatten each sugar dough piece into a disc and gently place over each bun, covering the top.
4️⃣ Proof & Bake
- Place buns on a lined baking sheet.
- Let proof 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake 15–18 minutes until golden and crackly on top.
5️⃣ Serve
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
- Optional: slice in half and add a pat of butter for a traditional Hong Kong-style treat.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Crispier top: Brush the sugar crust lightly with egg wash before baking.
- Sweet filling: Add custard, red bean paste, or chocolate inside the buns.
- Flavor twist: Add a pinch of matcha or cocoa to the sugar crust for variety.
- Make ahead: Freeze unbaked buns; thaw and bake fresh for soft, fluffy results.
If you want, I can provide a super soft, bakery-style Pineapple Bun recipe with a thick, buttery sugar crust that cracks beautifully on top and melts in your mouth.
