Cream Buns with Coconut

Here in Brazil, most bakeries (perhaps the less luxurious ones) make this bread and I believe that almost everyone has tried it. It’s the star of popular sweet breads! And now I’m feeling like a “baker” I found this recipe in the orkut community (posted by Marta) and I had to make it otherwise my worm would have a heart attack!

Guys, it’s easy and it looks amazing! You know that dough that “shreds” when you pull it? A show! This recipe is from the late Benjamin Abrahão (who remembers him? So cute!!!). Let’s get your fingers dirty:
1/2 k of wheat flour (approximately);
3 tablets of fresh yeast (45g in total);
100 g of sugar (you can add “almost” 1 cup);
100g margarine (I used culinary);
3 eggs;
1 pinch of salt (I forgot to add it);
100 ml of water.

First of all, you have to make a “sponge” with the yeast: Take 1/3 cup of flour and add it to the yeast and knead it with a fork, adding warm water by spoonfuls and mixing. 50 to 100ml of water is sufficient. Dissolve the yeast well with the flour in the water until it becomes a cream. Cover with a cloth and leave in an unventilated place for 15 minutes (I like to put it on the stove with the oven on). The Yeast will rise (like a sponge).

After 15 minutes, add the other ingredients and gradually add the flour until it no longer sticks to your hands. I do this in a large basin (no messing up the sink stone). It’s a very soft dough. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for another 15 minutes. It will grow a lot.

Give the dough the shape you want. I made a thick roll and cut it. Some were a little out of shape, but in the end it works. Place in a large baking dish (no need to grease) leaving a distance of 1 finger between them. The breads will stick to each other but this has to happen to hold the cream in the end. Mine yielded 30 pieces. Cover the pan and let them rest for another 15 minutes. When time passes, they will already be sticking to each other. It’s normal. Brush with egg yolk diluted in a little water and place in a preheated oven at 200º for about 20 minutes.

Creme: 1/2 boxed vanilla flavored pudding (depending on the brand, it is white, or yellow like mine) prepared according to the packaging. Add to the pudding, when it is on the fire, a teaspoon of vanilla essence and 2 tablespoons of sugar (it seems like a lot of sugar but it can be sweet). Don’t put the pudding in the fridge or it will harden too much. If you want to make that cream made from egg yolks with milk, flour and vanilla, that’s also fine. Take the buns out of the oven, spread the cream and cover with grated coconut (I used the one that’s already moistened and sweetened). Eat until you feel sick, rubbing your hands together, it makes us happy!