Nuvole di Napoli (Cream-Filled Brioche Buns)

Method

1. To make the Nuvole di Napoli, dissolve the yeast in the room-temperature milk for the dough and stir. Let it work for 10 minutes, then pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer along with the two flours, the lemon zest and the sugar. Knead at medium speed just long enough to bring everything together, then add the butter in two additions, letting it absorb completely. Add the salt last and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic and wraps around the hook.
   

   

   
2. Shape the dough into a smooth, tight ball on a floured work surface, then put it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise until almost doubled (about 2-3 hours). Then divide the dough into portions of about 30 g each and roll each one on the work surface under your cupped hand into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them well apart. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
   

   
3. Meanwhile, make the milk cream: in a small saucepan, stir together the milk, sugar and vanilla seeds. Heat until the sugar has dissolved, then add the honey and whisk in the well-sifted cornstarch. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream has thickened. Transfer it to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface and refrigerate until cooled.
   

   
4. For the ricotta cream: in a bowl, mix the sieved ricotta with the sugar. Add the cream, whipped with an electric mixer, folding it in carefully so it doesn’t deflate, and the grated lemon zest.
   

   
5. Add the well-chilled milk cream as well and fold gently until combined, taking care not to deflate the mixture. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a plain tip and keep it in the fridge.
   
6. Brush the risen buns with the egg yolk beaten with the milk and bake them in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 18 minutes. Take them out of the oven and, while they are still warm, fill them with the cream by piercing each bun at the bottom. Fill them generously.
   
7. Once they are all filled, dust your Nuvole di Napoli with powdered sugar and serve. Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!