Melon Pan: A Classic Japanese Treat | Anime With Alvin ft. Rie McClenny

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of making Melon Pan, a classic Japanese sweet bread, as featured in the video "Melon Pan: A Classic Japanese Treat" with Alvin Zhou and chef Rie McClenny. This delightful treat combines a soft, fluffy bread with a sweet, cookie-like crust, making it a popular choice for dessert or a snack.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start making Melon Pan, assemble all necessary ingredients:

• For the bread dough:

  • 2 cups (250g) bread flour
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

• For the cookie crust:

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Dough

Follow these steps to create the bread dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk and egg.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Incorporate the softened butter into the dough, kneading until fully combined and the dough is shiny.
6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Crust

While the dough is rising, prepare the cookie crust:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and baking powder, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually incorporate the flour until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Shape the Melon Pan

Once the bread dough has risen, follow these steps to shape your Melon Pan:

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions (about 8 pieces).
2. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Remove the cookie dough from the fridge and divide it into the same number of pieces.
4. Flatten each piece of cookie dough and wrap it around each bread dough ball, sealing the edges.
5. Use a knife to make a crisscross pattern on the surface of the cookie crust.

Step 5: Second Rise and Baking

After shaping, allow the Melon Pan to rise again:

1. Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake the Melon Pan for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully made Melon Pan, a delightful Japanese treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. Consider experimenting with different flavors or toppings for your next batch. Happy baking!