Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

Introduction

Strawberry Cheesecake Buns are your ticket to a bakery-style indulgence right in your own kitchen! These soft, pillowy buns are filled with a rich and tangy cheesecake center, then crowned with juicy, fresh strawberries for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Each bite melts in your mouth, blending the comforting texture of a homemade sweet roll with the luscious decadence of cheesecake.

I still remember the first time I made these for a lazy Sunday brunch—the aroma of buttery dough and sweet strawberries filled the house, and they disappeared within minutes! What makes these buns so special is their versatility. You can enjoy them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, drizzle them with a simple glaze, or even add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for that classic cheesecake touch.

Surprisingly easy to make, these buns require just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience as they rise to fluffy perfection. Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering, a holiday brunch, or just treating yourself to something sweet, Strawberry Cheesecake Buns are guaranteed to steal the show!

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunch
• Special occasions
• Family breakfasts
• Holiday desserts
• Cheesecake lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

Here’s why Strawberry Cheesecake Buns will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Fluffy Dough: The homemade dough is light, buttery, and bakes to perfection, providing the perfect base for the creamy filling.
• Rich Cheesecake Filling: The cream cheese filling gives a luscious, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the buns.
• Burst of Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and a pop of fruity brightness.
• Great for Any Occasion: These buns work as a breakfast pastry, an afternoon treat, or even a dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh buns when needed.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 buns
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-280 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Buns:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Yeast Dough: The combination of yeast, warm milk, and butter creates a soft, fluffy bun.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Provides a tangy, smooth texture that mimics cheesecake.
• Fresh Strawberries: Naturally sweet and juicy, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Cheesecake Buns:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

5. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

6. Mix the Strawberries: In a small bowl, toss the diced strawberries with sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release juices. If a thicker topping is desired, mix in cornstarch and cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Assemble and Bake the Buns:

7. Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 12-inch log. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
8. Create Indentations: Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press a well into the center of each bun.
9. Fill with Cheesecake Mixture: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake filling into each indentation.
10. Add Strawberries: Top each bun with a spoonful of the prepared strawberry mixture.
11. Second Rise: Cover and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
12. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Cool: Let the buns cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Make the Glaze (Optional):

14. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
15. Drizzle: Drizzle over the warm buns before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

Strawberry Cheesecake Buns are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be served in many ways:

• Classic Style – Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Whipped Cream & Berries – Top with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for extra freshness.
• Drizzled with Chocolate – Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the buns for a decadent twist.
• With Ice Cream – Pair with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a warm-cold contrast.
• Caramel Glaze – Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle crushed nuts for added texture.
• With a Side of Coffee or Tea – Serve alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or a strawberry milkshake for a perfect pairing.
• French Toast Style – Slice in half, dip in a beaten egg mixture, and pan-fry like French toast. Serve with maple syrup.
• Yogurt & Granola – Cut into smaller pieces and serve over Greek yogurt with granola for a breakfast treat.
• With Lemon Zest – Grate fresh lemon zest over the buns for a citrusy contrast to the sweet cheesecake filling.
• Mini Dessert Platter – Serve bite-sized portions alongside other mini desserts like brownies and fruit tarts for variety.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

• Use Fresh Strawberries – Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
• Chill the Filling – Refrigerate the cheesecake filling before assembling the buns to make it easier to handle and prevent it from spreading too much.
• Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can cause the buns to burst open while baking. Use just enough to keep them neatly sealed.
• Seal the Dough Properly – Pinch the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You can also slightly dampen the edges with water to help them stick.
• Brush with Egg Wash – For a golden, shiny crust, brush the buns with an egg wash before baking.
• Bake at the Right Temperature – Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking without over-browning the outside before the inside is done.
• Use a Cream Cheese Mixture with Cornstarch – Adding a small amount of cornstarch to the cheesecake filling helps stabilize it and prevent it from becoming too runny.
• Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or streusel on top before baking for extra texture.
• Let Them Cool Before Serving – The filling will be very hot straight out of the oven. Let the buns cool slightly to allow the flavors to set and avoid burns.
• Drizzle with Strawberry Glaze – Mix powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and a little milk to create a delicious glaze to drizzle over the buns for extra sweetness.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

Try these fun twists on the classic Strawberry Cheesecake Buns:

1. Blueberry Cheesecake Buns: Swap strawberries for blueberries.
2. Raspberry Almond Buns: Use raspberries and add slivered almonds on top.
3. Chocolate Strawberry Buns: Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling.
4. Lemon Cheesecake Buns: Mix lemon zest into the filling for a tangy twist.
5. Nutella Cheesecake Buns: Swirl Nutella into the cheesecake mixture.
6. Peach Cheesecake Buns: Use diced peaches instead of strawberries.
7. Strawberry Cream Buns: Add a whipped cream topping before serving.
8. Gluten-Free Cheesecake Buns: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
9. Vegan Cheesecake Buns: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use a flax egg.
10. Caramel Drizzle Buns: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked buns for extra indulgence.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked buns after shaping and filling. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

• Stand Mixer: Helps knead the dough easily.
• Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Pastry Brush: For applying glaze evenly.
• Rolling Pin: To shape the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

1. Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid first.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight.
3. Do I need to use yeast? Yes, it’s essential for the fluffy texture.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Buns are a delightful way to enjoy the perfect blend of soft, pillowy dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet, juicy strawberries. Whether you’re indulging in them for breakfast or dessert, these irresistible buns are bound to become a favorite!

With their rich, luscious center and golden-baked goodness, these treats are as fun to make as they are to eat. Enjoy them warm from the oven, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a sweet glaze for an extra special touch.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Cheesecake Buns turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!