This Chilled Melon Bread is a unique twist on the traditional melon pan, combining a cool, creamy milk filling inside a soft, sweet bread exterior. Perfect for hot days, these melon buns can be enjoyed as a refreshing treat. The milk cream filling gives it a delightful sweetness, and freezing them turns the cream into a soft ice cream-like texture, making it an ideal dessert for summer.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 30g unsalted butter

• 40g granulated sugar

• 1/2 egg (approximately 30g)

• 120g all-purpose flour

• 3 drops vanilla oil

For the Bread Dough:

• 200g bread flour

• 20g granulated sugar

• 3g salt

• 3g instant dry yeast

• 1/2 egg (approximately 30g)

• 130g milk

• 20g unsalted butter

• Granulated sugar for topping

For the Milk Cream Filling:

• 300ml heavy cream (42%)

• 50g sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   Mix butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and blend well. Gradually add the flour and vanilla oil, mixing until combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.

2. Prepare the Bread Dough:
   Mix bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add egg and milk and knead until the dough is smooth. Add butter and continue kneading until smooth and elastic. Let it rest and rise until it doubles in size (about 1-1.5 hours).

3. Shape the Buns:
   Divide the bread dough into 8 equal portions and shape into balls. Roll out the cookie dough into 8 circles and place each circle on top of a dough ball, gently pressing down.

4. Second Rise:
   Let the buns rise again for about 50-60 minutes, until they have expanded.

5. Bake:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 13-16 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the buns to cool completely.

6. Prepare the Milk Cream:
   Whisk the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla paste until thick and creamy. Place the cream in a piping bag.

7. Fill the Buns:
   Once the buns have cooled, use a skewer to create a hole in the bottom of each bun. Fill each one with the milk cream.

8. Chill and Serve:
   Place the buns in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. For a refreshing treat, freeze them for an even cooler option!

Nutrients (approximate per bun)

• Calories: 320

• Total Fat: 19g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 200mg

• Carbohydrates: 35g

  • Sugar: 15g

• Protein: 4g

The Origin of Melon Pan

Melon pan is a beloved Japanese bakery treat, typically made with a soft bread dough and a crisp cookie-like topping, creating a signature “melon” appearance. Despite its name, melon pan doesn’t actually contain melon; instead, it is named for its appearance, which resembles the ridges of a melon’s skin. The traditional melon pan is baked with a sweet, crisp topping that contrasts with the soft bread interior. It’s a nostalgic snack in Japan, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a quick breakfast or dessert.

Chilled Melon Bread takes this classic concept to a whole new level. By adding a cool, creamy filling, it turns this traditional treat into a hybrid of bread and dessert that offers a refreshing twist. This version retains the signature soft, sweet bread exterior while introducing an indulgent and cooling cream filling, making it a perfect summer treat.

The Role of the Milk Cream Filling

The key feature of Chilled Melon Bread is the milk cream filling. This milk-based cream is thick, sweet, and rich, offering a smooth, ice cream-like texture once the bread is chilled or frozen. The filling is made from heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla paste, creating a deliciously sweet and creamy center that complements the soft, slightly sweet bread dough.

The milk cream filling elevates the bread from being just a soft bun to a satisfying dessert. It provides a cooling sensation when eaten cold or frozen, making it a perfect snack to enjoy on a hot day. The sweetened condensed milk adds a rich depth of flavor to the filling, while the vanilla paste provides a touch of warmth and complexity. Together, these ingredients create a cream filling that’s indulgent yet balanced, offering a sweet contrast to the neutral bread exterior.

The Cookie Dough: A Sweet, Crunchy Contrast

The outer layer of Chilled Melon Bread is made from a cookie dough that is rolled into a thin circle and placed on top of the bread dough before baking. This cookie dough is lightly sweet, made with butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla oil, creating a delicate, crisp exterior once baked. When the bread rises and bakes, the cookie dough forms a crunchy layer that adds texture and a satisfying sweetness to each bite.

This crunchy cookie topping is what differentiates melon bread from other sweet rolls and gives it its signature look. The slight crunch of the cookie dough contrasts beautifully with the soft, pillowy bread interior and the smooth, creamy milk filling. When chilled, this combination of textures—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside—creates a satisfying dessert experience that’s both comforting and refreshing.

The Bread Dough: Soft and Pillowy

The bread dough used for Chilled Melon Bread is soft and slightly sweet, made with bread flour, sugar, and a bit of butter. This combination creates a dough that is smooth, elastic, and easy to work with, ensuring that the bread bakes up light and airy. When baked, the dough forms a soft, pillowy texture that is perfect for housing the creamy milk filling. The bread dough’s slightly sweet flavor enhances the overall dessert without overpowering the milk cream filling, allowing the other flavors to shine through.

In addition to the flavor, the bread dough is designed to rise beautifully, creating buns that are light and fluffy on the inside. This softness, combined with the slight sweetness from the sugar, makes for a delightful contrast against the crunchy cookie dough topping. When served chilled or frozen, the bread dough retains its fluffy texture, offering a soft, chewy bite that perfectly complements the creamy filling.

Baking and Chilling: The Key to the Perfect Texture

The process of making Chilled Melon Bread is essential to achieving the right texture and balance of flavors. The bread dough must be kneaded to the perfect level of elasticity to ensure that the buns rise properly and become soft and airy. After shaping the dough into balls and placing the cookie dough on top, the buns are left to rise a second time, allowing them to expand to their full size before baking. This step ensures that the bread is light and fluffy, with the right balance of texture to complement the creamy filling.

Once baked, the Chilled Melon Bread is allowed to cool before being filled with the milk cream. The bread needs to cool completely to avoid melting the filling when piped inside. After filling the buns, they are chilled in the refrigerator to allow the cream to firm up and set. For an extra cooling effect, these buns can be placed in the freezer for a short period, creating an ice cream-like texture for the cream that enhances the refreshing nature of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Chilled Melon Bread

Chilled Melon Bread is best served cold or frozen, making it an ideal treat for warm weather. The buns can be enjoyed on their own as a refreshing dessert or paired with other light summer treats. For a complete dessert spread, consider serving Chilled Melon Bread alongside fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, for a balanced, refreshing meal. The light, creamy texture of the bread pairs well with the juiciness of fresh fruit, making it a well-rounded treat.

If you’re looking to serve this bread for a special occasion or as part of a party, consider offering a variety of fillings, such as chocolate cream or fruit-flavored fillings, for guests to choose from. This variation allows for a customizable dessert experience and adds a fun element to the meal. The versatility of Chilled Melon Bread means that it can be adapted to suit various tastes, from traditional milk cream to more adventurous flavors.

Health Considerations and Adaptations

While Chilled Melon Bread is undeniably indulgent, there are ways to make it a bit lighter or cater to specific dietary needs. For those looking to reduce sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute in the cookie dough and the milk cream filling. Plant-based milks and dairy-free whipping cream can also be used in place of heavy cream to create a lighter, vegan version of the dessert.

For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread flour and all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. The texture may change slightly, but with the right adjustments, you can still create a delicious, gluten-free version of this refreshing treat. Additionally, using a lower-fat or dairy-free version of the condensed milk will make the recipe even more suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Conclusion

Chilled Melon Bread is a delightful and unique twist on a traditional favorite, offering a refreshing, sweet treat that’s perfect for summer. The combination of soft bread, crunchy cookie dough, and creamy milk filling creates a satisfying dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether served chilled or frozen, this dessert is perfect for hot days and makes an excellent choice for gatherings, special occasions, or just a fun way to treat yourself. With the ability to customize the filling and dough, Chilled Melon Bread can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile and refreshing addition to any dessert menu.