Skolebrød School Bread With Custard

In the cozy, Nordic kitchens of Norway, Christmas baking takes on a special charm and tradition. One delightful treat that is sure to bring warmth and comfort during the festive season is Skolebrød, also known as School Bread With Custard. This scrumptious creation is a soft bun filled with luscious custard and topped with sweet icing and coconut flakes. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a chilly afternoon, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

**Ingredients:**

For the dough:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the custard filling:
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 egg yolks
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the icing and topping:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons water
– 1 cup shredded coconut

**Instructions:**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is activated and foamy.

2. Add the sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.

3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Keep kneading the dough until it is smooth and elastic.

4. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

5. While the dough is rising, prepare the custard filling. In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until well combined.

6. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.

7. Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature.

8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

9. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

10. Make an indentation in the center of each dough ball and fill it with a spoonful of the cooled custard.

11. Bake the filled buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

12. While the buns are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar and water until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled buns and sprinkle them with shredded coconut.

13. Serve the Skolebrød School Bread With Custard fresh and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this traditional Norwegian Christmas treat.

Creating these delightful buns not only fills your home with the aroma of freshly baked goods but also spreads holiday cheer to all who indulge. Embrace the spirit of the season by sharing this delectable recipe with friends and family, making memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking and merry Christmas!