A multi-layered food product comprises a filling encapsulated by a substantially baked yeast-leavened dough. The encapsulated filling is further encapsulated by a substantially baked chemically-leavened batter layer.

A multi-layered food product comprises a filling encapsulated by a substantially baked yeast-leavened dough. The encapsulated filling is further encapsulated by a substantially baked chemically-leavened batter layer.

Food products, apparatus, systems and methods in which a pocketed bun is produced by supplying compressed air into a portion of bread dough to produce an air pocket, cooking the portion to produce an at least partially cooked bun, and cutting the bun into at least two pieces, with each piece having a cavity. Air can be delivered directly inside the portion of bread dough through a tube or to an expandable object (e.g., a balloon). Preferably, the portion of bread dough is placed into an expandable mold controlled by at least an arm operated by a processor. Batches of pocketed buns can be produced by utilizing a device having multiple molds inside a chamber, and multiple stacked chambers or a shelf with multiple floors.

Food products, apparatus, systems and methods in which a pocketed bun is produced by supplying compressed air into a portion of bread dough to produce an air pocket, cooking the portion to produce an at least partially cooked bun, and cutting the bun into at least two pieces, with each piece having a cavity. Air can be delivered directly inside the portion of bread dough through a tube or to an expandable object (e.g., a balloon). Preferably, the portion of bread dough is placed into an expandable mold controlled by at least an arm operated by a processor. Batches of pocketed buns can be produced by utilizing a device having multiple molds inside a chamber, and multiple stacked chambers or a shelf with multiple floors.

An inclusive steaming system for baking dough and method of baking bread enhances the baking of baguettes by providing an elongated baking container is preheatable to high heat prior to receiving dough. A water-capture platform positions in the cavity of baking container, in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship with bottom wall of baking container. The water-capture platform forms a depression that captures melted ice water. When heated, the water-capture platform generates steam in cavity of baking container from melted ice droplets. A perforated baking panel positions in the cavity of baking container, in an elevated relationship from water-capture platform. The baking panel forms a middle ice trough for ice, and a pair of outer dough troughs for receiving elongated dough. As baking container is heated, steam is generated Spacing and perforation in baking panel provides optimal environment for steam circulation around the dough, creating a crunchy outer crust and chewy crumb.

An inclusive steaming system for baking dough and method of baking bread enhances the baking of baguettes by providing an elongated baking container is preheatable to high heat prior to receiving dough. A water-capture platform positions in the cavity of baking container, in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship with bottom wall of baking container. The water-capture platform forms a depression that captures melted ice water. When heated, the water-capture platform generates steam in cavity of baking container from melted ice droplets. A perforated baking panel positions in the cavity of baking container, in an elevated relationship from water-capture platform. The baking panel forms a middle ice trough for ice, and a pair of outer dough troughs for receiving elongated dough. As baking container is heated, steam is generated Spacing and perforation in baking panel provides optimal environment for steam circulation around the dough, creating a crunchy outer crust and chewy crumb.

A pan is provided that has a male mold portion, a housing that surrounds the male mold portion, and a top portion with a wing plate that has a complimentary outer surface to the end surface of the male mold portion. The complimentary outer surface forms a more consistent thickness of a baked item. The housing has a bottom surface with an aperture in the bottom to receive the male mold portion. The bottom surface acts to eject the baked item from the pan as the male mold portion is removed from the pan. The top portion can be formed with a continuous surface or have a wing plate that is spaced from a planar portion.

A pan is provided that has a male mold portion, a housing that surrounds the male mold portion, and a top portion with a wing plate that has a complimentary outer surface to the end surface of the male mold portion. The complimentary outer surface forms a more consistent thickness of a baked item. The housing has a bottom surface with an aperture in the bottom to receive the male mold portion. The bottom surface acts to eject the baked item from the pan as the male mold portion is removed from the pan. The top portion can be formed with a continuous surface or have a wing plate that is spaced from a planar portion.

A method for preparing bread dough includes providing a yeast mixture including active dry yeast, water, and sweetened condensed milk; providing a shortening mixture including vegetable shortening, water, salt, and sugar; heating the shortening mixture, such that substantially most of the vegetable shortening is melted; adding whole milk and room-temperature water to the shortening mixture; adding egg yolk to the shortening mixture; adding flour to the shortening mixture; combining the shortening mixture and the yeast mixture to form a combined mixture; adding flour to the combined mixture; and thoroughly mixing the combined mixture in order to distribute moisture evenly throughout the combined mixture.

A method for preparing bread dough includes providing a yeast mixture including active dry yeast, water, and sweetened condensed milk; providing a shortening mixture including vegetable shortening, water, salt, and sugar; heating the shortening mixture, such that substantially most of the vegetable shortening is melted; adding whole milk and room-temperature water to the shortening mixture; adding egg yolk to the shortening mixture; adding flour to the shortening mixture; combining the shortening mixture and the yeast mixture to form a combined mixture; adding flour to the combined mixture; and thoroughly mixing the combined mixture in order to distribute moisture evenly throughout the combined mixture.