If you have a sweet tooth and an appreciation for delicate, fluffy treats, then you are going to fall in love with this Japanese Crème Filled Sandwiches Recipe. These soft, pillowy sandwiches are filled with a luscious, smooth vanilla-infused crème that melts in your mouth with every bite. The combination of light Japanese milk bread and the creamy custard filling creates a sublime dessert or snack that feels both elegant and comforting. It’s a simple delight that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a little afternoon luxury.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of humble ingredients, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each element plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the uniquely soft Japanese milk bread to the creamy custard filling, every component brings something special to the table.
- Japanese milk bread (shokupan) or soft white bread: Use fresh, crustless slices for the lightest, fluffiest base that forms the sandwich’s foundation.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create the soft, airy filling that makes every bite luxurious.
- Whole milk: Blends with the egg yolk and sugar to form a smooth custard base with a gentle creaminess.
- Sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough to balance the cream without overwhelming it.
- Cornstarch: Works as the thickening agent to give the custard that perfect velvety texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the sweetness.
- Egg yolk: Provides richness and helps thicken the custard in the cooking process.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting adds a pretty finishing touch and an extra hint of sweetness.
How to Make Japanese Crème Filled Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
Start by combining the egg yolk, sugar, cornstarch, and whole milk in a small saucepan. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and completely lump-free. This is important for achieving that creamy custard texture without any graininess.
Step 2: Cook the Custard
Place your saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture continuously. Patience is key here; keep stirring until the custard thickens and becomes smooth and glossy. The constant stirring prevents it from sticking or curdling, resulting in a perfectly creamy base.
Step 3: Flavor and Cool the Custard
Remove the pan from heat once your custard has thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract for a burst of fragrant warmth. Let the custard cool completely—this is essential before moving on to the next step to maintain the right consistency when folding in the cream.
Step 4: Whip and Fold in the Cream
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form—this means the cream should be airy but still hold a slight shape. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cooled custard to keep the mixture light and fluffy. This delicate process ensures your filling will be soft yet stable.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Take one slice of your crustless bread and dollop a generous spoonful of the creamy filling onto it. Place another slice on top and gently press the edges to seal the filling inside. For a playful touch, you can use a sandwich cutter or shape the edges neatly with a knife.
Step 6: Chill for Texture
If you prefer a firmer texture, pop your prepared sandwiches into the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Chilling helps the filling set slightly, making the sandwiches easier to handle and giving a pleasant coolness with each bite.
Step 7: Add the Final Touch
Right before serving, dust the sandwiches with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. This not only adds a charming dusted appearance but also a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
How to Serve Japanese Crème Filled Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color and a hint of tartness. A sprig of mint can add a refreshing contrast as well. Lightly dusted powdered sugar is classic and always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair beautifully with a hot cup of green tea or a fragrant jasmine tea, which complement the sweetness and keep the palate refreshed. For a heartier snack, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a small scoop of matcha ice cream to evoke traditional Japanese flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters — hearts, stars, or flowers are perfect for a festive occasion or afternoon tea. You might also layer them on a beautiful platter with edible flowers or edible gold flakes for a truly stunning treat that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the Japanese Crème Filled Sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within one to two days to maintain the bread’s softness and the filling’s delightful texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the creamy filling and soft bread may become watery or lose their texture once thawed. For the best flavor and experience, enjoy these sandwiches fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
Since this treat is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not advised. If you want the sandwiches less cold, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Japanese milk bread?
While you can substitute with soft white bread, Japanese milk bread (shokupan) is preferred due to its extra soft and fluffy texture, which complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for parties?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them for up to 15 minutes to help the filling set. However, it’s best to prepare them the same day you plan to serve for the freshest texture.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! Adding thinly sliced strawberries or bananas into the crème filling before assembling the sandwiches adds a lovely fresh burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the custard.
Is it possible to make a vegan version of this recipe?
This recipe relies on dairy and eggs for that classic custard texture and flavor, so creating a vegan version would require alternative ingredients like coconut cream and plant-based custard, which might alter the traditional taste significantly.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about three generously filled sandwiches, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a friend over tea.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in need of an elegant yet comforting dessert or snack, do yourself a favor and try this Japanese Crème Filled Sandwiches Recipe. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy a delicate sweetness wrapped in pillowy bread, bringing a little moment of joy to your day. Trust me, once you taste this creamy delight, it will quickly become one of your favorite treats to prepare and share.
Print
Japanese Crème Filled Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Delight in these delicate Japanese Crème Filled Sandwiches, featuring soft, fluffy milk bread filled with a smooth and creamy vanilla custard. Perfect for a light dessert or an elegant afternoon snack, these sandwiches combine the subtle sweetness of homemade crème pâtissière with the pillowy texture of classic shokupan bread.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 6 slices Japanese milk bread (shokupan) or soft white bread, crusts removed
For the Crème Filling:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Combine custard ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, cornstarch, and whole milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook the custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly with a whisk or spatula to prevent curdling. Continue cooking until the custard thickens into a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
- Flavor and cool custard: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the custard to a bowl and allow it to cool completely to room temperature, ensuring a firm texture for folding.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
- Fold cream into custard: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture, combining them evenly without deflating the whipped cream to maintain a light texture.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spoon a generous dollop of the crème filling onto one slice of bread, then top with another slice. Press the edges gently to seal the filling inside or use a sandwich cutter to create neat edges.
- Chill (optional): For a firmer texture and ease of handling, chill the assembled sandwiches in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the tops of the sandwiches with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use Japanese milk bread (shokupan) for the best soft and fluffy texture, but any soft white bread will work.
- Ensure the custard is completely cooled before folding in the whipped cream to prevent melting.
- Chilling the sandwiches helps them hold their shape better and makes them easier to slice or handle.
- These sandwiches are best consumed the same day for freshness.
- For a variation, you can add fresh sliced fruits like strawberries or kiwi inside the sandwich along with the crème filling.
