These soft and chewy buns filled with yema filling are an absolute favorite in the Philippines. Although it's a popular pasalubong from Camiguin, It's often sold out. When I was making my cinnamon rolls the other day, biting into my rolls, the texture of the bread resembled of that in pastel and it inspired me to recreate this yummy goodness. It's not an exact recipe of that popular pastel but these lovies can surely curb your cravings for those delicacies! :)

Pastel Buns with Yema Filling

By Claire A. Suarez
Soft and chewy buns filled with creamy yema filling.

Prep time: 01:35, Cook time: 00:35, Total time: 02:05
Yield: 16 mini buns

Ingredients:
2 and 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 package instant yeast (2 and 1/2 teaspoons)
3/4 cups fresh milk 2 Tablespoons margarine, melted
1 large egg, beaten

for the yema filling:
1 can condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup fresh milk
2 teaspoons cornstarch diluted in 2 teaspoons of water

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients for the yema filling in a saucepan and cook under medium heat until it thickens, set aside to cool.

Sift together flour, sugar, salt and instant yeast and set aside.

Mix margarine, egg and milk and pour it over the dry ingredients, and mix until a dough forms

Transfer the dough into a floured surface and knead for 15minutes or until the dough is tacky, smooth and no longer sticky

Divide dough into 16 equal pieces

Flatten each piece and drop a desired amount of yema filling at the center (I used a regular spoon for the filling)

Seal the dough into a ball (just like making dumpligs!)

Place the buns in a lightly greased pan and brush tops with egg whites(any pan desired would be fine, I used a rectangular pan)

Cover buns with a kitchen towel and let it rise for about an hour at a warm spot(at 45 minutes mark, you can preheat your oven to 350°F)

Bake the buns for about 30-35 minutes or until beautifully browned

Prepare coffee and enjoy your yummy buns! :)

Calories per serving: 202kcal
Fat per serving: 5.3g