The melon pan is a type of sweet bun made popular in Japan and Taiwan. It has a crunchy, cookie-like crust on the outside and soft, bread-like texture on the inside. The name “melon” stems from its shape—round with a textured top resembling that of a melon.

The flavor can vary depending on where it’s sold, but it usually contains butter, sugar, and eggs. The melon pan has become a popular snack across Japan and beyond, often eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon treat.

It can be found in convenience stores, bakeries, and even some supermarkets.

What is Melon Pan?

The melon pan is a type of sweet bun that originated in Japan and Taiwan. It has a crunchy, cookie-like crust on the outside and a soft, bread-like texture on the inside. The name “melon” stems from its shape—round with a textured top resembling that of a melon. The flavor can vary depending on where it’s sold, but it usually contains butter, sugar, and eggs.

Ingredients

The ingredients necessary to make melon pan include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, yeast, and milk. The dough is made by combining the flour and sugar with melted butter and eggs. Yeast is then added which helps the dough rise. After rising for about two hours, it is kneaded again before being shaped into round discs. It is then baked until golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside.

Flour is the base of the melon pan recipe. It provides structure and texture to the dough, allowing it to hold its shape when baking. Sugar adds sweetness and helps give the melon pan a crunchy exterior. Butter adds flavor and tenderness while also helping to keep it soft on the inside. Eggs add richness and protein to the bread while also providing an added layer of moisture. Yeast is what helps the dough to rise and gives it a light, airy texture. Lastly, milk helps to give the bread a soft texture.

Possible substitutions for some ingredients

The ingredients for melon pan can be easily substituted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. For those avoiding dairy, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used in place of regular butter. Almond milk can also be used as a substitute for regular milk. Additionally, honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar to give it a different flavor. The eggs are essential for the structure of the bread, but can be replaced with a flax or chia egg if desired. Lastly, dry active yeast can be used in place of fresh yeast.

Preparation

Step-by-step

Making melon pan dough is a relatively easy process. To begin, whisk together the flour and sugar in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and add the eggs. Combine the melted butter and egg mixture with the dry ingredients until it forms a sticky dough. Knead the dough for five to ten minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for two hours until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, knead it again before shaping into round discs. Finally, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.

Tips

Kneading the dough properly is key to making melon pan. To begin, lightly sprinkle flour onto a clean, flat surface and place your dough ball on top. Start kneading the dough with your palms for a few minutes, stretching it out and folding it back over itself until it becomes smooth and elastic. It is important not to over-knead or the texture of the melon pan will be too dense.

Resting and rising times for the dough are important to creating a light and airy melon pan. After kneading the dough, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for two hours until it has doubled in size. This resting time allows the gluten in the flour to relax, which will create an even texture in the finished product. During this time, make sure to keep the dough in a warm, draft-free area to prevent it from drying out.

Topping

The cookie crust that gives melon pan its signature appearance is made from a mix of butter, sugar, and flour. This mixture is spread on top of the discs before baking to give it a golden-brown color and crunchy texture. The cookie topping also helps to keep the bread soft on the inside while providing an extra layer of sweetness. It can be customized with different flavors like cocoa powder, nuts, or dried fruit.

Rolling and attaching the cookie dough to the bread dough can be done by hand or with a rolling pin. To begin, roll out the cookie dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into circles slightly smaller than the bread discs. Place one cookie disc on top of each bread disc and gently press down to adhere. With your fingers, pinch together the edges of both pieces of dough to ensure they are attached. Finally, bake as normal for a delicious melon pan.

Baking

Baking melon pan at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time will ensure a perfectly cooked loaf. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. To test if it is done, insert a toothpick into the middle of the bread – if it comes out clean, it is ready. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Testing the doneness of the melon pan is essential to ensure a perfectly cooked loaf. To test if it is done, insert a toothpick into the middle of the bread – if it comes out clean, then it is ready to be removed from the oven. If not, leave it in for a few more minutes and check again. You can also use an instant read thermometer to ensure the bread reaches an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

Variations

Melon pan is a beloved Japanese sweet bread that gets its unique look from a cookie crust topping. Beyond the classic version, there are many different variations of melon pan to explore, including matcha and chocolate. Matcha melon pan is made with green tea powder for a subtle flavor and beautiful color, while chocolate melon pan is made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Incorporating other flavors into the bread or cookie dough is a great way to create unique and delicious variations of melon pan. For the bread dough, you can add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, sweet flavor. You could also experiment with dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for a tart contrast. For the cookie topping, try mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a crunchy texture.

Serving

Melon pan is best served warm and fresh from the oven for a soft, fluffy texture. For a breakfast treat, slice it in half and top with butter and jam or honey. You can also enjoy melon pan as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee during the day. It also pairs well with ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Melon pan is sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it!

Melon pan is a versatile sweet bread that pairs well with many different drinks and other foods. For a classic breakfast combination, pair melon pan with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For a refreshing drink, try pairing it with cold milk or iced tea. Melon pan also complements savory dishes such as omelets or scrambled eggs. You can also use it as a base for sweet desserts like French toast or strawberry shortcake.

Conclusion

Melon pan is a delicious and unique sweet bread that offers a variety of flavor and texture combinations. From classic melon pan to matcha and chocolate variations, there is something for everyone. If you have never tried this sweet treat before, now is the perfect time to give it a try – you won’t regret it! With its simple ingredients and easy baking process, melon pan is sure to become a family favorite in no time.