These Vegan Custard Buns are irresistibly soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich, creamy dairy-free custard that melts in every bite. Lightly sweet with a delicate vanilla flavour, they make a comforting breakfast, snack, or dessert that’s every bit as satisfying as the classic version.

Made with wholesome plant-based ingredients, these buns can be adapted to be high-protein by using high-protein soy milk and plant-based protein powder in the custard. They can also fit a lower-carb lifestyle with suitable flour alternatives, making them a versatile option for healthier baking.

Can This Vegan Custard Buns Support Weight Loss Goals?

Yes, when enjoyed in moderation. Using unsweetened plant milk, reducing added sugar, and increasing the protein content with fortified soy milk or plant protein powder can help make these buns more satisfying. Pairing one bun with a protein-rich drink or snack also supports balanced eating without feeling overly indulgent.

Does Vegan Custard Buns Fit a High-Protein Lifestyle?

Yes, with a few simple adjustments. Using unsweetened high-protein soy milk and adding unflavoured plant protein powder to the custard increases the protein content while keeping the filling creamy. Choosing lower-carb flour alternatives where appropriate can reduce net carbs, making these buns more suitable for a high-protein lifestyle without sacrificing their soft texture.

Why This Recipe is Special

Completely dairy-free and egg-free.
Soft, fluffy bakery-style texture.
Creamy homemade vegan vanilla custard.
Easy to customise with different flavours.
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea.

My Personal Experience

The homemade vegan custard surprised me with its richness.
It stays silky and creamy without using dairy or eggs.
Steaming creates an incredibly soft texture.
The buns remain fluffy and tender even after cooling.
Adding a little vanilla bean paste makes a noticeable difference.
It gives the custard a bakery-quality aroma and flavour.
They’re always a crowd favourite.
Even people who don’t usually choose vegan desserts enjoy these soft, creamy buns.

Perfect For

These vegan custard buns are ideal for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, lunchboxes, healthy desserts, holiday baking, family gatherings, meal prep, and plant-based celebrations. They also make a delicious grab-and-go snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and fluffy.
Every bun has a pillowy texture with a creamy centre.
Plant-based comfort food.
Enjoy classic bakery flavours without dairy or eggs.
Easy to make ahead.
The buns freeze and reheat beautifully for convenient meal prep.
Customisable.
Add citrus zest, chocolate, or matcha to personalise the filling.
Healthier than bakery versions.
You control the sweetness and ingredients for a lighter homemade treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the buns, causing the custard to leak during steaming.
Filling the dough before the custard has fully cooled.
Under-kneading the dough, resulting in dense buns.
Over-steaming, which can make the buns wrinkled after cooling.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl — allows thorough mixing and dough development.
Stand mixer (optional) — makes kneading easier and produces smoother dough.
Small saucepan — cooks the custard evenly without scorching.
Whisk — prevents lumps in the custard.
Steamer basket or bamboo steamer — creates soft, fluffy buns.
Rolling pin — evenly flattens the dough for filling.
Kitchen scale — ensures evenly sized buns.

Storage Instructions

Allow the buns to cool completely before storing.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze individually wrapped buns in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to perfect comforting treat. They’re easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. A delicious plant-based twist 2 months.

Reheat refrigerated or frozen buns by steaming for 5–8 minutes or microwaving briefly until warm. Proper storage helps maintain their soft texture and protein quality.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Rising Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Servings: 8 buns

Best Season for This Recipe: All-Season

Total Calories (Per Serving): Approximately 245 kcal

Short Description

Soft, fluffy vegan custard buns are filled with a silky dairy-free vanilla custard for the perfect comforting treat. They’re easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. A delicious plant-based twist on a classic favourite.

📝 Ingredients

For the Dough

2½ cups (315 g) plain flour
2¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (180 ml) warm unsweetened soy milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vegan Custard

1½ cups (360 ml) unsweetened soy milk
3 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for colour)
1 scoop (about 20 g) unflavoured plant-based protein powder (optional, for extra protein)

Directions

1. Prepare the Custard

Whisk together soy milk, cornflour, sugar, vanilla, turmeric, and protein powder if using.

Heat: Medium-low

Time: 6–8 minutes

Texture Cue: Thick enough to coat a spoon smoothly.

High-Protein Tip: Blend the protein powder thoroughly before heating to prevent lumps.

2. Cool the Custard

Transfer to a bowl and cover the surface with cling film or reusable wrap.

Cool completely before using.

Time: 30–40 minutes

3. Make the Dough

Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

Add warm soy milk, oil, and vanilla.

Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Texture Cue: Soft, stretchy dough that springs back lightly.

4. First Rise

Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place.

Time: 1 hour

Visual Cue: Dough should double in size.

5. Fill the Buns

Divide dough into 8 equal portions.

Flatten each piece, add about 2 tablespoons cooled custard, then seal tightly.

6. Second Rise

Place buns on parchment paper.

Rest for 20 minutes.

7. Steam

Steam over medium heat for 12–15 minutes.

Leave the lid closed for 5 minutes after steaming before opening.

Texture Cue: Soft, fluffy, and slightly shiny.

8. Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 245 kcal
Fats: 5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 220 mg
Potassium: 180 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41 g
Fiber: 2 g
Net Carbs: 39 g
Sugars: 9 g
Protein: 9 g
Calcium: 95 mg

Notes

Store cooled buns in airtight containers to keep them soft.
Reheat by steaming for the best texture instead of baking.
This recipe is free from dairy and eggs but contains gluten and soy.
Add lemon zest, orange zest, or matcha powder to flavour the custard.
For a lower-carb variation, experiment with low-carb baking flour blends designed for yeast breads, noting that texture may differ.
Avoid overfilling to prevent the custard from leaking during steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Yes, the custard can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.

2. Can I bake these instead of steaming?
Yes, but steaming gives the buns their traditional soft and fluffy texture.

3. Why did my buns wrinkle after steaming?
Sudden temperature changes or over-steaming can cause wrinkling, so let them rest with the lid closed for a few minutes before uncovering.

4. Can I freeze the buns?
Yes, freeze them individually and reheat by steaming until warmed through.

5. Which plant milk works best?
Unsweetened soy milk is ideal because it provides a creamy texture and higher protein than most other plant milks.

6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly without significantly affecting the texture of the buns.

Vegan Custard Buns