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
Scale
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
