Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe

“`html

If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines fluffy, sweet bread with a luscious fruit and cream cheese filling, look no further! This Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe offers an irresistible blend of soft dough, creamy filling, and a golden, crumbly topping reminiscent of pineapple. It’s a nostalgic delight with a fresh twist, perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or any time you crave something special with a homey touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element enhances the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the buns, coming together in perfect harmony.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bun dough, providing structure and softness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the bread dough.
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast: Essential for a light and airy rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
• 1/2 cup warm milk: Activates yeast and creates a tender crumb.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness to the buns.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds a rich texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and subtle aroma to the dough.
• 1/4 cup water: Optional, to adjust dough consistency for perfect elasticity.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates the luscious and creamy filling.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without graininess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with a gentle vanilla flavor.
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced: Adds fresh, fruity bursts and vibrant color.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For the pineapple topping, ensures a crumbly texture.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping and aids browning.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the crumbly pineapple topping.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create that soft yet crackly topping texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lightness to the pineapple topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle sweetness enhancer for the topping.
• Yellow food coloring (optional): For that iconic pineapple-bun golden hue.

How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bun Dough

Begin by combining your flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mix is the base of your dough and sets up the structure and sweetness you’ll love in the bread.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough just starts to come together—this blend will give your buns softness and a rich, buttery flavor.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too stiff, add water carefully to get the perfect consistency for rising.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for that pillowy bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the dough is rising, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. This dreamy filling is going to be the heart of your buns.

Step 6: Add Strawberries to the Filling

Gently fold diced fresh strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, distributing the fruity sweetness evenly without breaking down the berries.

Step 7: Make the Pineapple Topping

Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This sweet butter mix creates the crumbly topping that gives pineapple buns their signature texture.

Step 8: Combine Dry Ingredients for the Topping

Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Stir everything until fully combined, ensuring a smooth batter for that golden crust.

Step 9: Add Yellow Food Coloring (Optional)

If you want your buns to look exactly like classic pineapple buns, mix in a few drops of yellow food coloring now. It’s all about that nostalgic golden look!

Step 10: Set Topping Aside

Let your pineapple topping rest at room temperature while you assemble the buns—this will make it easier to coat each one evenly.

Step 11: Divide the Dough

Punch down your risen dough and cut it into 12 equal portions. Rolling each piece into a ball will help you create perfectly round buns.

Step 12: Flatten Dough Discs

Press each dough ball gently into a small disc. This shape is perfect for holding that scrumptious filling inside.

Step 13: Fill the Buns

Place a spoonful of the strawberry and cream cheese filling in the center of each disc. Carefully fold the edges over and pinch to seal, ensuring no filling leaks during baking.

Step 14: Arrange on Baking Tray

Place the filled buns seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheets. This prevents sticking and helps maintain their shape.

Step 15: Coat with Pineapple Topping

Roll each bun gently in the pineapple topping mixture, covering them completely. This crumbly layer will bake into a delightful textured crust.

Step 16: Second Rise

Allow your buns to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This final puff-up ensures they’re wonderfully soft and fluffy.

Step 17: Preheat Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C)—the perfect temperature for golden buns with a crisp topping.

Step 18: Bake the Buns

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the buns turn a beautiful golden brown and the topping cracks slightly, releasing that irresistible pineapple bun aroma.

Step 19: Cool Slightly

Once baked, remove the buns and let them cool just enough to handle. This resting period helps the filling settle inside perfectly.

Step 20: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe warm, savoring the soft dough with a sweet, creamy, and fruity surprise inside with every bite.

How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or add a few extra fresh strawberry slices on top of the buns before serving. It provides a hint of elegance and an extra pop of color that makes the experience even more joyful.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful buns with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a lovely afternoon snack. Lightly whipped cream or a dollop of strawberry jam also complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange the buns on a tiered cake stand or nestle them inside a rustic basket lined with a gingham napkin. You can even slice them and serve open-faced with extra cream cheese and a drizzle of honey for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread soft while preserving the delicate cream cheese and strawberry filling.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these buns later, freeze them before baking or after they have cooled completely. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.

Reheating

Reheat frozen buns by thawing at room temperature and warming them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will refresh the soft texture and bring out the lovely aroma of your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best to avoid excess moisture in the filling, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before folding into the cream cheese.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or ricotta for a milder flavor, but cream cheese offers the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Can I make the dough using bread machine?

Absolutely! Combine the ingredients in your bread machine and use the dough cycle. Just proceed with shaping and filling as described after the first rise.

How can I make the pineapple topping crunchy?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when mixing the topping, and avoid overworking it. This will give you that classic crumbly yet crackly pineapple bun crust.

Are these buns best eaten fresh or can they be stored overnight?

These buns are at their best fresh and warm, but they keep well overnight if stored properly, with the flavor and texture still delightful the next day.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe enough if you want to create something truly special and heartwarming in your kitchen. It’s a wonderful mix of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. Next time you crave a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, give this a try. You’ll thank yourself later!

“`

Print