Danubio Dolce – Sweet Italian Brioche Buns Recipe
If you’re looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to a mouthwatering, soft, and sweet dessert, the Danubio Dolce is the perfect choice. This delightful Italian brioche bun, originating from the southern regions of Italy, is a showstopper. The dough, rich with flavors from lemon zest, vanilla, and butter, is paired with a creamy, decadent filling of custard that’s guaranteed to win hearts. The buns are arranged in a beautiful spiral, baked until golden, and served fresh out of the oven for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients required to make this scrumptious Danubio Dolce:
For the Dough:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Manitoba Flour (strong flour) | 530g |
Whole Milk | 230g |
Butter (melted) | 50g |
Sugar | 30g |
Dry Brewer’s Yeast | 4g |
Egg | 1 |
Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon) | 1 lemon |
Vanilla Pod | 1 |
Salt | 10g |
Water | 50g |
For the Custard Filling:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Whole Milk | 200g |
Fresh Cream (liquid) | 50g |
Egg Yolks | 3 |
Sugar | 70g |
Cornstarch (Corn Flour) | 25g |
Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon) | 1 lemon |
Vanilla Pod | 1 |
Whole Egg | 1 |
Whole Milk (for brushing) | 1 tbsp |
Icing Sugar | 20g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
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Start by melting the butter. You can do this in a microwave or over a double boiler. Set it aside to cool slightly.
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In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the sifted Manitoba flour. Grate the zest of 1 untreated lemon and scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod, adding both to the flour. Mix together to distribute the flavors evenly.
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Add the melted butter to the flour mixture. Begin kneading the dough using the dough hook attachment (or by hand if you prefer) until the dough comes together in a smooth ball.
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Transfer the dough onto a lightly oiled surface and knead for a few minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
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Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Preparing the Custard Filling
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While the dough is rising, prepare the custard filling. In a saucepan, combine the 200g of whole milk and 50g of fresh cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, but don’t let it boil.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until they become light and creamy. Sift in the cornstarch, then continue whisking until it is fully incorporated.
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Gradually add the hot milk-cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and return it to the stove.
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Over medium heat, cook the custard, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
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Once the custard is slightly cooler, strain it into a bowl to remove any lumps and to ensure a silky smooth texture. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming as it cools.
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Allow the custard to cool completely at room temperature and then transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Assembling the Danubio
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured (or oiled) work surface. Roll the dough out into a long log shape.
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Using a dough scraper or sharp knife, divide the dough into 30 even pieces, each weighing about 30g.
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Take each piece of dough and flatten it out into a small circle. Place about 1 tablespoon of the chilled custard filling in the center of each piece.
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Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the custard and pinch them together to seal the filling inside. Be sure to seal the edges well so the custard doesn’t leak out during baking.
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Arrange the sealed dough balls in a 28cm round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Start placing them around the perimeter of the pan, working your way toward the center to form a spiral pattern.
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Once all the dough balls are arranged in the pan, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for another 30 minutes, or until the buns are puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Step 4: Baking
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for static ovens, or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted ovens.
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Brush the tops of the dough balls with the reserved egg wash made by whisking together 1 tablespoon of whole milk and 1 egg.
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Bake the Danubio Dolce in the preheated oven for 30 minutes (or about 20 minutes if using a fan-assisted oven) until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.
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Once the Danubio is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
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Once the Danubio Dolce has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar to give it a beautiful, snowy finish.
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Serve the buns fresh and enjoy the delicious combination of fluffy, buttery dough and rich, creamy custard.
Serving Suggestions
Danubio Dolce is perfect for any occasion, from a special dessert to an indulgent afternoon snack. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, and it’s an ideal treat to share with family and friends. The softness of the dough combined with the luscious custard filling makes each bite a little bit of heaven.
Storage Instructions
Danubio Dolce is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s baked, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat the buns slightly in the oven or microwave to restore their soft texture before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Value |
---|---|
Calories | ~290 |
Protein | ~5g |
Carbohydrates | ~40g |
Fat | ~12g |
Saturated Fat | ~7g |
Cholesterol | ~50mg |
Sodium | ~180mg |
Fiber | ~1g |
Sugar | ~18g |
With its soft, buttery dough and sweet, rich filling, Danubio Dolce is a dessert that will surely become a favorite in your household. This recipe not only brings together the flavors of Italy, but it also offers an incredible opportunity to bond with loved ones as you prepare this comforting treat.