18 Japanese Bear Bread Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Are you looking to add a unique and delicious twist to your baking repertoire? Look no further than this Japanese bear bread recipe! This adorable and fluffy bread, also known as "kuma pan," is a popular treat in Japan and is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also has a soft and slightly sweet flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Follow along as we break down the steps to creating your very own kuma pan at home.
If you're a fan of fluffy and soft bread, then you have to try this Japanese milk bread recipe. With its light and airy texture, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just on its own. The secret to its unique texture lies in the use of Tangzhong, a cooked flour and water mixture that creates a gel-like paste used in the dough. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious, perfectly shaped loaf every time.
For a twist on the classic Japanese milk bread, try making it into rolls! These bite-sized rolls are perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish to your favorite meal. They're soft, fluffy, and have a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory dishes. The recipe is similar to the traditional loaf, but instead, the dough is shaped into rolls and baked until golden brown. Trust us, you won't be able to stop at just one roll!
Shokupan, which translates to "food bread" in Japanese, is a staple in many households in Japan. This popular bread is often eaten for breakfast, made into sandwiches, or enjoyed as a snack. The bread has a light and airy texture, making it perfect for dipping into soups or spreading with your favorite butter or jam. With its soft and fluffy texture, it's no wonder why this bread is a hit amongst both kids and adults.
4of 15
Japanese Milk Bread (Shokupan)
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Milk, Water, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast
This Japanese milk bread recipe is a yeast version, meaning it takes a little more time to prepare, but the results are worth it. The use of instant yeast allows the bread to rise quickly, giving it its signature light and airy texture. The dough is then shaped into a loaf, proofed, and baked until golden brown. The end result is a tall, soft, and fluffy loaf of bread that's perfect for any occasion.
This recipe for Shokupan is a great option for those who are looking for a healthier version of Japanese milk bread. The recipe uses whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, making it a great source of fiber. The bread still maintains its light and fluffy texture, making it the perfect option for those who want to indulge in a guilt-free treat. Serve it toasted with some avocado and tomato for a delicious and nutritious breakfast option.
6of 15
Chive Japanese milk bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Dry Milk Powder, Caster Sugar, Fine Salt
If you're looking to add some extra flavor to your Japanese milk bread, try making this Chive version. The addition of fresh chives gives the bread a subtle onion flavor that pairs well with savory dishes. The chives are mixed into the dough, giving the bread a speckled appearance and a delicious taste. This bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside a hearty bowl of soup.
This fluffy Japanese milk bread recipe is a must-try for bread lovers. The key to its light and airy texture is the use of bread flour, which has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour. The dough is also enriched with egg and milk, giving the bread a rich and tender crumb. This bread is perfect for making toast, French toast, or even as a base for bread pudding.
8of 15
Japanese Milk Bread (Yeast Version)
Main Ingredients: Milk, Bread Flour, Sugar, Salt, Instant Yeast
Add some extra flavor to your Japanese milk bread rolls by making them with garlic. The garlic adds a delicious savory flavor to the rolls, making them perfect for serving with pasta dishes or as a snack on their own. The rolls are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a great option for a quick and tasty side dish.
9of 15
Garlic Japanese Milk Bread Rolls
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Whole Milk, Water, All
This Black Sesame Japanese milk bread is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The black sesame seeds give the bread a unique appearance and add a nutty flavor to the dough. The bread is perfect for serving with Asian-inspired dishes or for making sandwiches with a twist. Plus, the added health benefits of black sesame seeds make this bread a great option for those looking for a healthier bread choice.
10of 15
Black Sesame Japanese Milk Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Water, Whole Milk, Instant Yeast
If you've ever been to Kindred restaurant in San Diego, then you know about their famous Japanese milk bread. This recipe is inspired by their version and yields a soft and fluffy loaf of bread that's perfect for sandwiches or toast. The recipe calls for honey instead of sugar, giving the bread a subtle sweetness that pairs well with savory fillings. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
11of 15
Kindred Inspired Japanese Milk Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Water, Heavy Cream, Honey, Nonfat Dry Milk
This recipe for Japanese milk bread rolls uses the Tangzhong method, which involves cooking a portion of the flour and water together to create a paste. This method gives the bread its unique texture, making it soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. The rolls are perfect for making sliders, serving with soup, or enjoying as a snack with your favorite toppings.
12of 15
Japanese Milk Bread rolls using the Tangzhong method...
Main Ingredients: Water, Whole Milk, Bread Flour, Milk, Sugar, Salt
If you're a fan of matcha, then this Japanese milk bread recipe is for you. The bread is infused with matcha powder, giving it a beautiful green color and a subtle matcha flavor. To take it to the next level, the bread is served with a matcha tres leches cream, adding a creamy and slightly sweet element to the dish. This recipe is perfect for impressing your guests or satisfying your sweet tooth.
13of 15
Japanese Milk Bread & Matcha Tres Leches Cream
Main Ingredients: Powdered Milk, Heavy Cream, Condensed Milk, Matcha
This recipe for Japanese milk bread promises a soft and fluffy loaf that's perfect for any occasion. The bread is enriched with condensed milk, giving it a slight sweetness and a tender crumb. The dough is also brushed with egg wash before baking, giving it a beautiful golden crust. This bread is perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or even as a base for bread pudding.
This Japanese milk bread recipe is a fun and unique way to enjoy this delicious bread. The dough is shaped into small balls and placed in a bundt pan, creating a pull-apart bread that's perfect for sharing. The balls are brushed with melted butter and garlic powder before baking, giving the bread a savory and buttery flavor. Serve this at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time.
15of 15
Japanese Milk Bread Pull-Apart
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Milk, Sugar, Dried Yeast, Salt, Eggs
This Japanese milk bread roll recipe is another Kindred-inspired version that you have to try. The rolls are slightly sweet and have a light and airy texture that's perfect for sandwiches. The recipe calls for buttermilk, which adds a tangy flavor to the dough and helps create a tender crumb. These rolls are perfect for serving at a barbecue, picnic, or for making sliders at home.
A Simple and Fun Recipe for Kuma Pan
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before we dive into the recipe, it's important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. To make this Japanese bear bread, you will need bread flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, milk, active dry yeast, and a small amount of cocoa powder. You will also need a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, a baking sheet, and a piping bag with a small round tip.
Creating the Dough
To start, mix together the bread flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer. Slowly add in the milk and melted butter, and let the mixer knead the dough for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. If it's too dry, add a little more milk, and if it's too wet, add a little more flour.
Shaping the Kuma Pan
Next, divide the dough into two equal parts and set one aside. Take the other half and add a small amount of cocoa powder, mixing until it turns a light brown color. This will be the dough for the bear's ears and nose. Roll out the plain dough into a large circle and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, roll out the cocoa dough and cut out two small circles for the ears and one larger oval for the nose. Place these on top of the plain dough, slightly overlapping.
Adding the Details
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out the bear's facial features, such as the eyes, mouth, and nose. Then, take the remaining plain dough and roll it into small balls to create the bear's eyes and nose. Place these on top of the cutouts. Finally, use the piping bag to add the finishing touches, such as small dots for the nose and mouth and lines for the bear's fur.
Baking and Enjoying
Let the kuma pan rise for about 30 minutes before baking it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Once done, let it cool before serving and enjoying your adorable and delicious creation!
With this simple and fun recipe, you can easily make your very own Japanese bear bread at home. Not only is it a tasty treat, but it also makes for a great conversation starter at parties and gatherings. Plus, the best part is you can customize the bear's facial expressions to your liking. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills?
