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Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 28 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 2h 30m
  • Cook Time: 20m
  • Total Time: 2h 50m
  • Yield: 12 buns
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns are soft, fluffy sweet buns filled with a creamy mixture of fresh strawberries and cream cheese, topped with a signature crumbly golden ‘pineapple’ crust. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack, these buns combine a tender yeast dough with a rich, fruity filling and a sweet, buttery topping that cracks beautifully during baking.


Ingredients

Scale

Bun Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup water (if needed for dough consistency)

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Pineapple Topping

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Yellow food coloring (optional, to create the “pineapple” look)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bun Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt to create the dry base for the dough.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough just begins to come together into a rough ball.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Add water sparingly if the dough feels too dry to reach the right consistency.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
  6. Add Strawberries to Filling: Gently fold freshly diced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking the berries.
  7. Prepare the Pineapple Topping: Cream together softened butter and sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy.
  8. Combine Dry Ingredients for Topping: Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until the topping forms a cohesive dough.
  9. Add Yellow Food Coloring: If desired, mix in a few drops of yellow food coloring to achieve the classic pineapple bun golden hue.
  10. Set Aside Topping: Leave the prepared topping dough at room temperature while assembling.
  11. Shape the Buns: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide it into 12 equal portions.
  12. Form Dough Balls: Roll each portion into a smooth ball and flatten it gently into a disc shape.
  13. Fill the Buns: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese and strawberry filling in the center of each disc. Fold the dough edges over the filling and pinch to seal tightly.
  14. Place Buns on Tray: Arrange the sealed buns seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  15. Apply Pineapple Topping: Roll each filled bun gently into the pineapple topping dough, ensuring an even, thick crumbly layer covers the top.
  16. Second Rise: Let the topped buns rest and rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up and look slightly larger.
  17. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  18. Bake the Buns: Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and the topping shows characteristic cracks.
  19. Cool Slightly: Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool briefly before serving.
  20. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns warm to enjoy their soft texture and luscious filling.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for easier dough mixing and kneading.
  • If dough feels too dry, add water gradually; if too sticky, add a little extra flour.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the filling.
  • The optional yellow food coloring helps achieve the traditional pineapple bun look but does not affect flavor.
  • Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving to restore softness.