Pineapple Bun

Delight in the buttery, crumbly perfection of the Pineapple Bun, a beloved Hong Kong bakery classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Despite its name, this treat doesn’t include pineapple—its signature golden crust is scored to resemble the tropical fruit’s textured skin. The recipe combines a fluffy, slightly sweet milk bread base with a decadent cookie-like topping made from powdered sugar, cake flour, and vanilla for a melt-in-your-mouth contrast. The buns are gently scored to create their iconic criss-cross pattern before being baked to golden perfection. With just a hint of preparation and a few pantry staples, you can recreate these bakery-style marvels at home, perfect for an afternoon snack, breakfast treat, or indulgent dessert. Whether enjoyed on their own or with a dollop of butter inside, Pineapple Buns are sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:150 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 300 grams All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Instant yeast
• 50 grams Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 125 milliliters Whole milk
• 30 grams Unsalted butter
• 2 large Eggs
• 100 grams Cake flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 70 grams Unsalted butter (for topping)
• 60 grams Powdered sugar
• 1 large Egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Milk (for brushing)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix together 300 grams of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of instant yeast, 50 grams of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 2

Warm 125 milliliters of whole milk until lukewarm, and add it to the dry ingredients.

Step 3

Add 30 grams of unsalted butter and 1 large egg to the mixture.

Step 4

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attached.

Step 5

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6

While the dough is rising, prepare the topping by creaming 70 grams of unsalted butter with 60 grams of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 7

Beat in 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 8

Sift in 100 grams of cake flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder, then mix until just combined to form a soft dough.

Step 9

Place the topping dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 10

Once the main dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions.

Step 11

Shape each portion into a round bun and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 12

Remove the topping dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 8 equal portions.

Step 13

Roll each portion of topping dough into a flat disc that can cover the top of each bun.

Step 14

Place the discs over the buns and press lightly.

Step 15

Use a sharp knife to gently score a criss-cross pattern on each topping to create the 'pineapple' look.

Step 16

Cover the buns with a damp cloth and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 17

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

Step 18

Brush the top of each bun with 2 tablespoons of milk.

Step 19

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Step 20

Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(910.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2941.5

Total Fat 106.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 795.2mg	0%
Sodium 3057.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 431.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.5g	0%
Total Sugars 119.3g
Protein 66.0g	0%

Vitamin D 211.4IU	0%
Calcium 418.7mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 1015.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.4%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 58.6%