If you love delicate, pillowy-soft bread with a surprise center, you’re about to fall in love. These Swirl Buns with Taro Filling are a showstopper—light and fluffy milk buns swirled with purple beauty and packed with naturally sweet taro paste. Not only do they taste amazing, but their mesmerizing spiral design makes them look like edible art.
They’re perfect for breakfast, tea-time, dessert, or anytime you crave something soft, sweet, and satisfying.
What Makes These Buns So Special?
- Taro filling that’s creamy, nutty, and lightly sweet
- Soft and fluffy dough made the Asian bakery way
- Beautiful swirl design that’s naturally colored
- Baked to golden perfection, brushed with butter for shine
- Freeze well, reheat beautifully, and pair perfectly with milk or tea
What Is Taro?
Taro is a root vegetable popular in Asian desserts. It has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor and turns a dreamy lavender color when mashed and sweetened. It’s commonly used in mooncakes, buns, bubble tea, and pastries.
Ingredients
For the Taro Filling:
- 1 ½ cups steamed taro, mashed (from fresh or frozen taro root)
- 2–4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp coconut cream or milk (optional, for extra richness)
- 1–2 drops purple ube or food coloring (optional for deeper swirl color)
Mix until smooth and spreadable. Let cool and chill before using.
For the Swirl Bun Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (320g) bread flour
- 2 tbsp milk powder (optional for richer dough)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Purple food coloring (optional, for a double-color dough)