This soft and fluffy Sweet Red Bean Bread is filled with creamy red bean paste. Inspired by Asian bakery buns—easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing!
Let’s be honest—I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love bread. All kinds. But soft, sweet, warm bread filled with creamy red bean paste? That’s next-level delicious. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. And if you have, you know exactly what I mean. These buns are downright irresistible.
🌏 A Global Favorite
This type of sweet bread is a staple across many Asian countries—known as Anpan in Japan, Danpat-bbang in Korea, and loved throughout China, the Philippines, and beyond. Each place puts its own spin on it, but the concept is the same: pillowy bread with a delicious sweet filling.
Even here in the U.S., you can find these goodies at most Asian markets, either made in-house or shipped in from nearby bakeries.
P.S. Want more bread recipes?
👉 Click here for more of my favorites!
Of course, sweet buns and pastries are popular all over the world—many filled with fruit jams, custards, or chocolate. I just happen to have a big soft spot (pun intended!) for sweet red bean paste. I could eat it with a spoon like ice cream. Anyone else guilty?
💪 Kneading by Hand (But You Don’t Have To!)
I usually knead by hand—there’s something magical about feeling the dough come together under your fingers. But if you want to save time and energy, go ahead and use your stand mixer with a dough hook. Totally up to you!
And if sweet beans aren’t your thing, you can easily swap the filling with sweetened cream cheese, mashed sweet potato, Nutella, fruit jam, or green tea paste. Endless possibilities!
If you try this delightful Sweet Red Bean Bread, tag me on Instagram @sandraseasycooking – I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Sweet Bread Filled with Red Bean Paste
This soft and fluffy Sweet Red Bean Bread is filled with creamy red bean paste. Inspired by Asian bakery buns—easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (about 280g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk or water (for activating yeast)
- ¾ to 1 cup additional milk or water (add gradually)
- 3 tbsp butter (room temp or melted)
- 1 cup sweet red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: egg wash or melted butter for brushing
Optional toppings:
- sesame seeds, poppy seeds, shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prep Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Mix well. - Activate Yeast:
In a small cup, mix yeast with ½ cup of warm milk or water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. - Make Dough:
Add the beaten egg and activated yeast to the dry ingredients. Mix slightly, then gradually add the remaining milk/water and butter. (You may not need the full amount of liquid—add slowly to avoid a runny dough.) - Knead:
Mix with a wooden spoon until it comes together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 25–30 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a bit more flour if needed. - First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour). - Shape the Buns:
Punch down the dough and divide into 9 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle (about 4–5 inches wide). - Fill:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of sweet red bean paste into the center of each circle. Pinch the edges together to seal and gently shape into a ball. Lightly flatten into a disk, about 1 to 1½ inches thick. - Design (Optional):
You can leave them as-is or make decorative slits using a knife, scissors, or pizza cutter. You can also roll them into logs or shape them like dinner rolls. - Final Proof:
Place buns on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 15–20 minutes. - Brush & Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with egg wash or melted butter and sprinkle with your favorite topping. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. - Cool:
Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).
Notes
Sweet Red Bean Paste:
You can find canned red bean paste (anko) at most Asian grocery stores. If you prefer homemade, simmer adzuki beans with sugar until thick and creamy.
No Bean Paste? No Problem! Try alternative fillings like:
- Sweetened cream cheese
- Mashed sweet potato
- Matcha (green tea) paste
- Nutella or chocolate spread
- Fruit preserves or jam
Shape It Your Way:
Shape into rolls, spirals, logs, or flower-like buns. Decorative cuts are optional but look beautiful once baked.
- Make Ahead: You can make the dough the night before. After the first rise, refrigerate overnight, bring to room temp, then proceed with shaping and baking.
- Freeze-Friendly: These buns freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Brushing Options: For a golden crust, use an egg wash. For a soft crust, brush with melted butter after baking.
- Toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of coarse sugar add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 343Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 348mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 4gSugar: 20gProtein: 9g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.
