There’s something incredibly delightful about the combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, creamy cheese filling, and a soft, fluffy bun. These Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns are a perfect blend of tropical flavors and comforting textures. With their golden-brown crusts and vibrant strawberry topping, these buns are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving something sweet, this recipe is both easy and impressive. Trust me, once you try these buns, they’ll become a new favorite in your baking repertoire
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Soft and Fluffy Texture: The homemade dough provides a tender crumb that makes each bite irresistible.
Creamy Cheese Filling: A luscious blend of cream cheese and sugar adds richness and sweetness to the buns.
Bright Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberries bring a burst of natural sweetness and color to the topping.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of honey to make each batch unique.
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the buns hold their shape while staying soft.
Baking Powder: Helps the buns rise slightly, giving them a light and airy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Let it soften before using.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the other flavors.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute moisture to the buns.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the creamy filling, adding both sweetness and creaminess.
Fresh Strawberries: Ripe strawberries provide natural sweetness and the signature flavor of the topping.
Pineapple Chunks (Optional): For added tropical flavor, mix in canned pineapple chunks with the strawberries.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful buns
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese with a pinch of sugar until smooth.
Assemble the Buns: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a small ball. Press a spoonful of cream cheese filling into the center of each ball. Shape the dough around the filling, sealing the edges tightly. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Top with Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and place a few slices on top of each bun. If using pineapple, add a few chunks alongside the strawberries.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the strawberries are slightly softened. Allow to cool slightly before serving
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns
These buns pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries for added freshness.
Whipped Cream: Top each bun with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these buns are decadent enough to enjoy on their own. Simply savor each bite and let the flavors dance on your palate
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and high-quality cream cheese elevate the overall flavor of the dish. Avoid overly green strawberries.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Experiment with Fillings: Try adding different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mangoes for variety
FAQ Section
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes! Using store-bought crust saves time and ensures a consistent texture.
2. What type of cheese should I use? Cream cheese works perfectly for melting into gooey perfection. You can also experiment with other cheeses like mascarpone for a similar effect.
3. Can I make these buns ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake as needed.
4. How do I store leftover buns? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the buns? Absolutely! Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for sharing or snacking later.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar-free whipped cream.
8. Can I skip the cream cheese? You can, though the cream cheese adds richness and thickness to the filling. Substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
9. Do I need to chill the buns? Chilling is essential for setting the layers and ensuring clean cuts.
10. Can I add toppings to the buns? Absolutely! Sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and indulgent Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns recipe that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. With their soft, fluffy texture, creamy cheese filling, and bright strawberry topping, these buns are a treat that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s bake something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 8 buns 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hong Kong / Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy pineapple buns filled with a creamy strawberry and cream cheese mixture, topped with a sweet and crumbly crust. These Hong Kong-style buns are perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping (Pineapple Crust):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)
For the Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Mix warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the Pineapple Crust
- Cream butter and powdered sugar together.
- Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Wrap and chill in the refrigerator while the dough rises.
- Prepare the Filling
- Mix cream cheese, strawberry jam, and powdered sugar (if using). Set aside.
- Assemble the Buns
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Flatten each, add filling, and seal into a ball.
- Place seam-side down on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Topping
- Divide chilled crust dough into 8 pieces, flatten, and gently press onto each bun.
- Bake the Buns
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Try swapping strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry for variety!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg