Melonpan

Just in case you are wondering, it is called melonpan (melon bread) not because it tastes like melon but because it resembles a melon. I did not score my bread to make the melon design, I was a little rushed at the time making other Japanese delights. However, you can add melon paste or melon extract to the dough if you wanted to but traditionally Japanese melonpan it is not flavored.

Okay so this is my second time making this but every time I fall more and more in love with it. I made it once before when I first started blogging but have not made it since. I came across melonpan while watching Shakugan No Shana who's character is always eating melonpan. At the time I had no idea what it was but after looking it up online I knew that I had to make it. Looking at it you think that it is just a normal loaf of bread, that is, until you bite into it. The crust isn't that of normal bread but a crunchy cookie exterior that is wrapped around a light fluffy bread inside. I really cannot put into words how delicious this is. I am sure that you have never had anything like this before. There is quite a bit of time put into making this but it is well worth it. I made mine half plain and half with a chocolate chip exterior. If you would like to make yours with chocolate chips just add a handful or two of chocolate chips to the outer layer dough.


I really wish that local bakeries made this so that I didn't have to spend my day baking. Like I said before this is well worth the time you put into it. I usually make a big batch for me and the hubs and then just reheat them up in the oven or toaster oven. Otherwise it loses it's crunchy exterior. I love to eat mine as is but hubby is an ice cream fanatic so I should not have been shocked when I walked out to the kitchen and saw him making this.


For the dough center:
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 small egg
  • 1 3/4 c flour
  • 1 tsp dry yeast
  • 1/8 c sugar
  • a pinch of salt
  • 1 1/3 Tbs butter

For the outer layer:
  • 3 1/3 Tbs butter; room temp (margarine works also)
  • 1/4 c sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp milk
  • 1 c flour
  • 1/2tsp baking powder

Bread directions:

  1. Heat the milk to lukewarm and beat the egg, and then combine the two.
  2. Combine everything but the butter, and then add the butter when the dough is smooth. (butter should be lukewarm)
  3. Kneed for 10~15 minutes.
  4. Stretch out, keeping the surface smooth.
  5. Lightly grease the bowl and put the dough in, then spray with water and cover with saran wrap. Place in warm place to rise for 40~60 minutes.

Topping directions:

  1. Beat the butter until it turns creamy and add the sugar in 3 different sections. Stir until the mixture is whitish.
  2. Combine the egg yolk and milk in a bowl and beat well. Add slowly to the butter mixture, and then cut the dry ingredients in slowly.
  3. Shape the topping dough into a rod and wrap in saran wrap. Let chill in the refrigerator.

The other directions:

  1. When the dough has risen to twice its size, poke it with your finger. If it does not return, it is done.
  2. Punch the dough and kneed lightly.
  3. Split the dough into 6 parts and make them round. Cover so they do not dry out and let stand 10 minutes.
  4. Reshape the dough and place them on an over paper-covered baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth. Let dough rise to two times its original size
  5. Divide the topping into 6 parts and roll between two pieces of saran wrap.
  6. Remove from wrap and place over the bread, stretching and tucking the sides to the bottom. Try not to move the dough too much because it might deflate. So be careful!! Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top and cut lines lightly into the top with a knife.
  7. Bake at 335° F for 20 minutes. It's done when the edges turn slightly browned.

This post is submitted in
Regional Recipes goes to Japan this month
It's Party Time Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Strut Your Stuff
My Meatless Mondays

21 comments:

lena said...

oh wow, that looks just fantastic. Is that cream in middle? I have never heard of these before, but I am going to have to give them a go.

Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous) said...

I did not have filling in mine. It is something that I came across by chance in watching a show.

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

I do not have time, now, to make this but it looks delicious and like something for the future.

The beginning of the school year leaves me tired. That will work itself out, as I get to know the class.

Then, I hope to be back for the recipe.

Joanne said...

Thanks so much for submitting this to Regional Recipes! I've never heard of it before but it sounds just like something I would love. That cookie exterior...so tasty!

A Little Bit of Everything! said...

Looks so yummy! Thanks for checking out my toilet paper Pumpkins over at A Little Bit of Everything. :)

texttussi said...

Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. Your recipes look/sound delicious. mmmmh.

Debbi Does Dinner Healthy said...

Excellent bread! I don't make it too often but homemade bread is SOOOOO good! Glad it doesn't taste like melon though!

Molly {Eeny Meeny & Moe} said...

I've never heard of this kind of bread before - SO interesting. Thanks for sharing!

BusyMOM @ Easy Appetizers said...

Wow. This looks awesome! A sweetish bread with cream or ice cream. How can you want more than that! I'll definitely be bookmarking this recipe. My family will love it.

Reeni said...

This looks really good! Like everyone else I never heard of it before. I love how your husband ate it!

The Food Hunter said...

Sounds very good. I'm putting it on my "to do" list

April@The 21st Century Housewife said...

This sounds delicious - I love the idea of the crunchy exterior and soft centre.

Lisa said...

I've never heard of this, but it looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

I am glad you linked this up to My Meatless Mondays. I was intrigued, when I first saw it. Now, it is going to pop up, when I logon. Goody, I just may make it sooner than planned. Thanks.

sally said...

Very interesting! I've never heard of it before. I like the idea of bread with a cookie crust though! I'll have to give it a try.

Sarah @ Sugar Bananas said...

I also have never heard of this before. Thanks for the recipe - I've gotta try this.

Have a great Tuesday.

~Sarah

Sweet And Crumby said...

I must, must, must make this! It looks and sound so delicious. I do believe you put into words it's wonderfulness!

healy said...

this recipe really new to me and I find it good. . .thanks for sharing this!:)> <

blackbookkitchendiaries said...

i love melopan:) thank you for this lovely post. I have this bookmark now.

janet said...

Wow - I can't believe you tackled melon pan. It definitely is a tricky recipe but I am enouraged to try it myself now. :)

polwig said...

Melon Bread sounds amazing.. never ever heard of it before now I really want to try it. Thank you