Name: Coconut Cream Buns with Mascarpone Filling Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Chinese bakery inspired with modern twist)
Ingredients: 100 ml coconut milk (lukewarm, approx. 37 °C / 98 °F); 160 ml milk (lukewarm, approx. 37 °C / 98 °F); 9 g instant yeast; 25 g white caster sugar; 16 g vanilla sugar; 1 egg (beaten); 50 ml sunflower oil; 500 g flour (patent flour or all-purpose flour); 5 g salt; 1 egg (beaten, for brushing); 50 g condensed milk; 100 g grated coconut; 250 g mascarpone; 50 g condensed milk; 8 g vanilla sugar; 16 g whipped cream stabilizer (e.g., Klopfix); 250 ml heavy cream

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Coconut Cream Buns with Mascarpone Filling Recipe. These soft, pillowy buns are infused with fragrant coconut milk and topped generously with shredded coconut and condensed milk, while the inside hides a luscious mascarpone cream that’s just bursting with sweetness and a hint of vanilla. Imagine biting into a cloud of fluffy bread with a creamy, dreamy center—this recipe brings bakery-quality magic right into your kitchen and has become one of my absolute favorites to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface contains four stages of mixing. The first stage shows a woman's hand holding a small brown bowl filled with white milk above the large glass bowl. The second stage has a woman's hand holding a small white bowl filled with white sugar above the same bowl. The third stage shows a woman's hand holding a small yellow bowl filled with light beige dry yeast. The last stage displays the glass bowl filled with a foamy light beige liquid mixture that combines all ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that soft, tender crumb we all crave. From the richness of mascarpone to the exotic whisper of coconut milk, these ingredients come together beautifully to create the best Coconut Cream Buns with Mascarpone Filling Recipe you’ll ever try.

100 ml coconut milk: Adds natural coconut aroma and tender moisture to the dough.
160 ml milk: Keeps the bread soft and helps activate the yeast evenly.
9 g instant yeast: The powerhouse that makes these buns rise fluffily.
25 g white caster sugar: Sweetens the dough gently without overpowering flavors.
16 g vanilla sugar: Brings a warm, fragrant note to the bread.
1 egg: Enriches the dough giving it structure and tenderness.
50 ml sunflower oil: Keeps the buns moist and tender for days.
500 g flour: The essential foundation for perfectly structured buns.
5 g salt: Balances flavor and enhances overall taste.
1 egg (for garnish): Provides a beautiful glossy finish on the baked buns.
50 g condensed milk: Sweeter finishing glaze to brush on warm buns for extra indulgence.
100 g grated coconut: Adds texture and a burst of coconut flavor on top.
250 g mascarpone: Creamy richness for the luscious filling.
50 g condensed milk (for cream): Sweetens the cream filling while keeping it smooth.
8 g vanilla sugar (for cream): Infuses a delicate vanilla scent into the mascarpone cream.
16 g whipped cream stabilizer: Helps the cream maintain its fluffy texture without weeping.
250 ml heavy cream: Whipped to perfection to create a soft, airy filling.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Coconut Cream Buns with Mascarpone Filling Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by warming the coconut milk and regular milk to about 37 °C (98 °F)—this temperature is key because it wakes up the yeast without harming it. Combine the coconut milk, milk, instant yeast, white caster sugar, and vanilla sugar in a large bowl, mixing until everything dissolves nicely. Let this sit for about 5 minutes, and you will see the yeast begin its magic. Then, add the beaten egg, sunflower oil, flour, and salt. Knead this luscious mixture for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough turns smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and find a cozy, warm spot to let the dough rise until it has doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour.

Step 2: Shape and Prepare for Second Rise

Once your dough is perfectly risen, gently press the air out and portion it into 14 equal pieces of about 60 grams each. Shape each piece into a smooth round ball, place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg. Cover once more and let them rise for another 30 minutes; you want them puffed up and soft before baking.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F). Bake the buns for 10 to 12 minutes until they achieve a subtle golden hue and spring back gently when pressed. As soon as they come out of the oven, cover them with a clean tea towel—this step keeps them incredibly soft and prevents crusting, which is just what you want for these dreamy Coconut Cream Buns with Mascarpone Filling Recipe.

Step 4: Add the Sweet Toppings

While the buns are still warm, brush the tops generously with condensed milk, then sprinkle with plenty of freshly grated coconut. This sticky, sweet coating adds that iconic coconut flavor and texture that these buns are known for. Let them cool just enough so they’re comfortable to handle but not cold.

Step 5: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream Filling

In a deep bowl, combine mascarpone, condensed milk, vanilla sugar, and whipped cream stabilizer. Mix for about a minute until combined. Gradually add the heavy cream while whipping until the mixture forms a firm, fluffy cream. Transfer this divine filling into a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle to prep for assembly.

Step 6: Assemble the Coconut Cream Buns

Carefully slice each bun horizontally, then pipe a generous layer of the mascarpone cream inside. Press the top back on gently, and voila! You now have perfectly filled Coconut Cream Buns with Mascarpone Filling Recipe ready for your enjoyment.

How to Serve Coconut Cream Buns with Mascarpone Filling Recipe

This image shows a black baking tray lined with white parchment paper, holding fifteen small round golden brown buns arranged in three rows. Each bun has a smooth, shiny top with a rich warm color gradient from dark golden brown at the center to lighter golden at the edges. The buns have a soft, smooth texture, and the light reflects off the glossy, slightly crisp surface. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with soft grey veins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the grated coconut and condensed milk topping are already stars of the show, you can elevate your serving by adding some fresh lime or lemon zest right before serving for a zesty contrast that highlights the coconut’s sweetness beautifully. A dusting of powdered sugar also works wonders to make these treats look even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your Coconut Cream Buns with a strong cup of coffee, a soothing chai tea, or even a refreshing tropical smoothie for an indulgent brunch. They’re also fabulous alongside fresh fruit salad—especially mango, pineapple, or berries—to balance the sweetness with some natural freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or brunch, serve these buns on a tiered cake stand to show off their beautiful golden tops and fluffy insides. You can pipe the mascarpone filling right before guests arrive so the buns don’t get soggy. Or turn them into mini dessert sandwiches by slicing thinner buns and piping with different flavored mascarpone creams, like coconut-lime or chocolate-vanilla swirl for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though these rarely stick around!), store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure to keep them covered well to maintain their softness and prevent the cream from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain buns without filling for up to one month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, warm gently, and fill with freshly whipped mascarpone cream for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring those buns back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 160 °C (320 °F) for 5 to 7 minutes—just enough to regain that soft, fresh-baked feel without melting the filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make bread chewy and cream watery.

FAQs

Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese for the filling?

While cream cheese can be used, mascarpone offers a lighter, creamier texture with less tang, which complements the sweetness of the coconut perfectly. If you opt for cream cheese, consider whipping it with some heavy cream and extra sweetener to mimic mascarpone’s softness.

Is it necessary to use coconut milk in the dough?

Coconut milk is key to infusing that subtle coconut flavor directly into the dough and keeping the buns moist. If you don’t have coconut milk, you can try replacing it with regular milk but expect a less pronounced coconut aroma.

How long can I keep the filled buns in the fridge?

Once filled, these coconut cream buns are best eaten within 24 hours, as the cream can start to break down the bread if stored longer. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I make the dough using a bread machine?

Absolutely! Combine the ingredients as usual, and use the dough or bread setting on your machine. Just remember to check the texture and adjust flour or liquid slightly if needed—each machine works a bit differently.

What’s the purpose of whipped cream stabilizer in the filling?

Whipped cream stabilizer helps keep the mascarpone filling firm and prevents it from weeping or separating over time, especially useful if you’re preparing the buns ahead of time or serving them at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and joyous about biting into a warm, soft Coconut Cream Bun with Mascarpone Filling Recipe. It’s a little celebration in your mouth, blending tropical flavors with creamy indulgence and soft, pillowy bread. Whether for a special brunch, an afternoon treat, or a homemade gift for friends, this recipe always brings smiles around the table. I truly hope you give it a try and experience the delight these buns bring—once you do, I’m sure they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.