Fluffy Sweet Strawberry & Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe

Crafting the perfect sweet strawberry and cream cheese pineapple buns sparks joy in every home baker’s kitchen.

Soft, pillowy dough meets creamy filling in this delightful twist on a classic treat.

Fragrant strawberries dance with rich cream cheese, creating a magical combination that feels both comforting and exciting.

Nostalgic memories of neighborhood bakeries blend seamlessly with modern culinary creativity.

Each bite promises a delicate balance of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Passionate bakers understand that love goes into every carefully crafted pastry.

Sweet Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns

• Customize with Ease: Swap strawberry jam for any favorite fruit preserve to personalize these delightful buns according to your taste preferences.
• Create Bakery-Quality Treats: Craft professional-looking pineapple buns with a restaurant-worthy appearance that will impress family and friends.
• Perfect for Gathering Moments: These sweet buns are ideal for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a comforting dessert that brings people together.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Straightforward steps and basic ingredients make this recipe accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.

Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Cream Cheese Buns

• Warm Milk: The liquid that activates the yeast and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast for proper rising.
• Instant Yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
• Softened Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the bun.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and provides structure to the dough.
• Flour: The primary base that gives structure to the buns.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.

• Softened Butter: Creates a rich and crumbly texture for the crust.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the topping.
• Flour, Cornstarch: Provide structure and create a crisp topping.
• Baking Powder: Helps the topping rise slightly and become light.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the crust.
• Milk: Helps adjust the consistency of the topping if needed.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the filling.
• Strawberry Jam: Adds a fruity sweetness and vibrant color.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional ingredient to increase sweetness of the filling.

Instructions to Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Buns

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Whisk together warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to sit and become frothy, which takes about 5 minutes.

This process helps wake up the yeast and prepare it for making deliciously soft buns.

Step 2: Create Soft Dough

• Softened butter
• Egg
• Flour
• Salt

Mix everything until a cohesive dough forms.

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead thoroughly for 8-10 minutes. The goal is a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when touched.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for approximately one hour.

You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has doubled in size.

Step 4: Craft Pineapple Crust Topping

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract

Mix until a smooth dough develops.

If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of milk. Wrap the topping dough in plastic and refrigerate while the main dough rises.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

Combine softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Buns

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a circular shape.

Spoon the cream cheese and strawberry mixture into the center of each circle. Fold the edges over the filling, pinching to seal and create round buns.

Step 7: Final Rise

Place the filled buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and allow them to rise for an additional 30-40 minutes, which helps develop a light, airy texture.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Take the chilled pineapple crust dough and divide it into 8 pieces.

Flatten each piece and gently place on top of the buns, pressing lightly. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Tips to Nail Soft and Sweet Pineapple Buns

• Ensure warm milk is between 110-115°F to perfectly activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy dough texture.
• Knead on a lightly floured surface and avoid adding too much flour, which can make buns dense and dry.
• Pinch dough edges tightly when enclosing cream cheese mixture to prevent leaks during baking.
• Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F for optimal volume and texture.
• Chill pineapple crust dough before applying to ensure it sits nicely on top of buns and creates a beautiful crackled surface.

Variations to Change Up Strawberry Cream Cheese Buns

• Tropical Paradise Buns: Replace strawberry jam with passion fruit puree for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that transports you to a sunny beach.
• Chocolate Berry Bliss: Swap cream cheese filling with chocolate ganache and add fresh raspberries for a decadent, rich variation that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Citrus Burst Buns: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough and use orange marmalade in the filling for a bright, zesty alternative that awakens the taste buds.
• Nutty Caramel Dream: Mix chopped toasted almonds into the cream cheese filling and drizzle caramel sauce on top after baking for a crunchy, sweet transformation.

Pairings That Bring Out Buns’ Sweetness

• Flavor Fusion Companions: Sweet wine like Moscato perfectly complements the strawberry cream cheese filling, enhancing the dessert's fruity notes.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Sparkling rosé adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the pineapple buns, creating a balanced taste experience.
• Beverage Harmony: Chilled green tea offers a subtle, clean palate cleanser that cuts through the sweetness and helps highlight the buns' complex flavors.
• Dessert Companion: Serve alongside fresh strawberry slices or a light vanilla custard to amplify the fruity undertones and provide additional textural contrast.

How to Keep Strawberry Pineapple Buns Fresh

Store cooled buns in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying.

Place baked buns in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Warm individual buns for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent hardening.

Warm buns at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to keep exterior soft and prevent burning. Unwrap last 2 minutes for slight crispness.

FAQs

• What makes the pineapple crust unique?

The pineapple crust is a traditional Chinese bakery-style topping made with butter, flour, and powdered sugar that creates a crackly, sweet layer on top of the soft bread, giving it a distinctive texture and appearance.

• Can I use different fillings?

Yes, you can experiment with various fillings like chocolate, custard, or other fruit jams. Just ensure the filling is not too liquid to prevent leaking during baking.

• How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough is well-kneaded when it becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently pressed. It should not stick to your hands and should feel soft and pliable.