Black sesame brioche buns are soft, buttery, and rich in flavor, swirled with nutty black sesame paste and lightly sweetened with honey. Topped with a luscious black sesame whipped cream, these buns offer a perfect balance of sweetness and deep, roasted sesame notes. With their pillowy texture and elegant presentation, they make a stunning addition to any brunch or dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique flavor – The deep, nutty taste of black sesame complements the buttery brioche beautifully.
Soft and fluffy texture – The enriched dough makes for incredibly light and airy buns.
Elegant presentation – Topped with glossy black sesame whipped cream and optional edible gold leaf.
Perfect for special occasions – A gourmet treat for brunch, tea time, or celebrations.
Customizable – Easily adapted with different fillings or toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

all-purpose flour
sugar
active dry yeast
warm milk
eggs
unsalted butter, softened
salt

For the Filling:

black sesame paste
honey

For the Topping:

heavy cream
powdered sugar
black sesame powder

Directions

In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, eggs, and salt. Mix to form a dough.
Gradually knead in softened butter, continuing to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
In a small bowl, mix black sesame paste with honey, then spread evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough into a log, then cut into 9 equal portions.
Arrange the buns in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the buns cool, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and black sesame powder until soft peaks form.
Once the buns have cooled, top them with the black sesame whipped cream.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with edible gold leaf for an elegant touch.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 9 buns

Variations

Chocolate Sesame Buns – Add chocolate chips to the filling for a rich twist.
Matcha Sesame Buns – Swirl in a thin layer of matcha paste for a fusion of flavors.
Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle crushed almonds or walnuts inside the filling for added texture.
Vegan Alternative – Replace butter with plant-based butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Savory Option – Skip the honey and add a touch of miso to the black sesame paste for a salty-sweet contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfilled buns for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding the whipped topping.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore freshness.

FAQs

What does black sesame taste like?

Black sesame has a deep, nutty, and slightly smoky flavor, similar to tahini but with a more intense roasted taste.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast without proofing it first. However, the dough may rise slightly faster.

Why is my brioche dough sticky?

Brioche dough is naturally soft and slightly sticky due to the butter. Avoid adding too much flour; instead, knead until smooth.

Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.

How do I make my brioche extra fluffy?

Ensure proper kneading and rising times. A long, slow rise in a warm environment results in a lighter texture.

Can I use store-bought black sesame paste?

Yes, but check for added sugar, as some brands contain sweeteners that may alter the flavor.

What can I use instead of black sesame paste?

You can use tahini or peanut butter, but it will change the flavor profile.

How do I prevent my buns from over-browning?

If the tops are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Can I make these buns without the whipped topping?

Yes, they are delicious on their own or with a simple glaze instead of whipped cream.

What pairs well with black sesame brioche buns?

These buns go well with tea, coffee, or a light fruit salad for a balanced treat.

Conclusion

Black sesame brioche buns are a sophisticated and flavorful twist on traditional brioche, combining soft, buttery bread with a rich, nutty filling. Topped with a silky black sesame whipped cream, these buns are perfect for brunch, dessert, or an indulgent snack. Try out different variations to make them your own and enjoy a bakery-quality treat at home!

Black Sesame Brioche Buns