Coffee Lava Bun with Better Boba

These fluffy milk buns are filled with a silky coffee custard that oozes like lava when warm. Each bite combines buttery bread, rich espresso flavor, and the chewy surprise of Better Boba’s Classic Brown Sugar pearls for a café dessert that feels both cozy and luxurious.

🧈 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup warm milk

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 large egg

For the Coffee Lava Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk

• 2 tbsp instant coffee or 1 shot of espresso

• 3 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• Pinch of salt

For the Better Boba:

• ½ cup Better Boba Classic Brown Sugar pearls

• 2 cups water

• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey (for soaking)

☕ Instructions

1. Make the Coffee Lava Custard

1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, coffee, cornstarch, and egg yolks.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

3. Remove from heat, stir in butter and a pinch of salt.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes until thickened but spreadable.

2. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. Add warm milk and egg, mixing until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, then knead in butter until fully absorbed.

4. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Cook the Better Boba

1. Boil water and cook Better Boba according to package directions.

2. Drain and soak in brown sugar syrup for added sweetness.

3. Let cool completely.

4. Assemble the Buns

1. Divide dough into 8 pieces. Flatten each into a small disk.

2. Spoon 1 tbsp of coffee custard and a few Better Boba pearls into the center.

3. Pinch to seal and roll gently into a smooth ball.

4. Place on parchment-lined tray, seam side down. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

5. Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Brush buns with a bit of milk or egg wash.

3. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. Let cool slightly — the filling should still be molten inside.

🍯 Optional Toppings

• Dust with espresso powder or cocoa.

• Drizzle with condensed milk or coffee glaze.

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

🌟 Tip

For café-style presentation, slice the bun open just slightly so the coffee lava and golden brown Better Boba pearlsooze out — it’s irresistible for photos!