Hong Kong Pineapple Buns (Sweet Buns with Caramelized Topping)

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A beloved Hong Kong bakery treat featuring soft buns with a sweet, caramelized topping and a hint of pineapple flavor, perfect for tea time. This chinese-inspired desserts ready in about 77 minutes layers all-purpose flour, sugar, melted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 65 min Cook: 12 min Serves 12 Chinese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 tsp active dry yeast with 1/2 cup warm milk and 1/4 cup sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, then add 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir until combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into 3-inch circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Brush the tops of each bun with 2 tbsp milk, then spread 1/2 tablespoon pineapple jam on each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes until golden.
  6. Step 6: While buns bake, warm 1/2 cup caramel sauce in a small saucepan until runny. Drizzle over warm buns immediately after baking.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hong Kong Pineapple Buns (Sweet Buns with Caramelized Topping) take to make?

Total time is about 77 minutes (65 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Hong Kong Pineapple Buns (Sweet Buns with Caramelized Topping)?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hong Kong Pineapple Buns (Sweet Buns with Caramelized Topping)?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hong Kong Pineapple Buns (Sweet Buns with Caramelized Topping) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hong Kong Pineapple Buns (Sweet Buns with Caramelized Topping)?

Chinese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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