Bun Maska Recipe
Introduction
Bun Maska is a beloved Indian café classic featuring soft, warm buns generously spread with creamy, whipped butter. This simple yet indulgent treat pairs perfectly with a hot cup of chai, making it an ideal snack or breakfast option.

Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, salted, softened, at room temperature (or use unsalted and add a pinch of salt)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cream or malai (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon rose water or ⅛ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for a traditional café-style flavor)
- 2 to 3 large-sized, soft, and lightly sweet buns
- 2 to 3 tablespoons jam (any fruit jam if making jam bun, as needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the butter, fresh cream, powdered sugar, and rose water (if using). Using a spoon or small whisk, beat the mixture until it is light, creamy, and slightly fluffy.
- Step 2: Lightly warm the buns on a tawa or skillet, turning them to warm all sides. The buns should be warmed but not toasted, unless you prefer a lightly toasted texture.
- Step 3: Slice the buns horizontally. For plain Bun Maska, generously spread the whipped butter on both bun slices, then place them together and serve.
- Step 4: For Jam Buns, spread butter on both bun slices, add jam on top of the butter or on one slice, cover, and serve.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh cream to make the butter whipped and creamy for an authentic café taste.
- Try sprinkling a little extra sugar inside the bun for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.
- Brun pav can be used as an alternative to buns; after spreading butter, sprinkle sugar for a delightful twist.
- Adjust powdered sugar quantity according to your sweetness preference.
Storage
Whipped butter is best used fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Warm the buns just before serving to maintain softness. Avoid refrigerating assembled buns to keep the texture pleasant.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter but add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor and enhance the taste.
What kind of buns should I use for Bun Maska?
Soft, lightly sweet buns, often called milk buns, work best. They should be large and fluffy without being too dense. Brun pav is also a popular alternative.
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Bun Maska Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 bun masks servings 1x
Description
Bun Maska is a beloved classic Indian tea-time snack featuring soft, lightly warmed buns generously spread with a rich, creamy whipped butter mixture often enhanced with powdered sugar and fragrant rose water or cardamom. This comforting treat can be enjoyed plain or with fruit jam, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Typically served alongside a hot cup of Irani or masala chai, Bun Maska is a quick and indulgent delight that captures the nostalgic charm of traditional Indian cafés.
Ingredients
For the Butter Maska
- 4 tablespoons butter, salted and softened at room temperature (or unsalted with a pinch of salt)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cream or malai (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon rose water or ⅛ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for a traditional café-style flavor)
For the Buns
- 2 to 3 large-sized, soft, and lightly sweet buns
Optional
- 2 to 3 tablespoons jam (any fruit jam for jam buns)
Instructions
- Whip the Maska: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, fresh cream, powdered sugar, and rose water (or cardamom powder if using). Using a spoon or a small whisk, vigorously beat the mixture until it becomes light, creamy, and slightly fluffy. This whipped butter mixture is the signature spread for your buns.
- Prepare the Bun: Warm the buns lightly on all sides using a tawa or skillet over medium heat. The buns should be gently warmed, not toasted, although toasting is optional if you prefer a slightly crisp texture. Warming enhances softness and flavor.
- Make Bun Maska: Slice the warmed buns horizontally. Generously slather the whipped butter maska on both slices of the bun. Press the two slices together and serve immediately to enjoy the soft, creamy delight.
- For Jam Buns (Optional): Spread the whipped butter on the bun slices and then add jam on top of the butter on one slice or the other. Cover with the second slice of bun and serve promptly to experience the sweet and buttery contrast.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Bun Maska immediately with a hot cup of Irani chai or masala chai. For extra indulgence, you may sprinkle a little additional sugar inside the bun for a sweet-salty bite. Using brun pav instead of traditional buns is also a popular alternative; spread butter and sprinkle sugar on top for an enhanced café-style experience.
Notes
- Use softened butter at room temperature to ensure easy whipping and spreading.
- Fresh cream or malai is optional but adds luxurious richness to the butter spread.
- Rose water or cardamom powder provides an authentic café flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Lightly warming the buns preserves softness; toasting is optional based on personal preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as the butter melts quickly.
- Jam buns can be customized with any favorite fruit jam.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Bun Maska, Indian snack, butter bun, tea time recipe, Irani chai companion, whipped butter spread, jam bun

