The Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe combines the soft, fluffy texture of classic Asian pineapple buns with a luscious, fruity cream cheese filling that bursts with freshness. This delightful treat brings together the sweet crunch of the cookie topping and the juicy zing of diced strawberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe uses simple but carefully selected ingredients that work together to create the perfect bun. Each component, from the bread flour to the fresh strawberries, plays a vital role in delivering the soft crumb, sweet topping, and creamy filling that make these buns irresistible.
- Bread flour: Provides the ideal structure and chewiness necessary for fluffy buns.
- Sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to both dough and topping.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Instant yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully, ensuring soft, airy buns.
- Warm milk: Activates yeast and makes the dough tender and moist.
- Egg: Enriches the dough and gives the buns a lovely golden color.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the bread and the cookie topping.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the cookie topping a delicate sweetness and smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm aroma to both the topping and the filling.
- Cake flour: Used in the cookie dough for a tender, crumbly texture that cracks beautifully when baked.
- Milk powder: Adds softness and a hint of creaminess to the cookie layer.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy base of the filling, perfectly balancing sweetness and tang.
- Fresh strawberries (diced): Adds juicy bursts of fruity freshness to the cream cheese filling.
How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the warm milk and add the egg, then knead everything together until a rough dough forms. Adding the softened butter comes next, kneading it in until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. This kneading process is key to developing gluten, which gives the buns that perfect rise and chewiness. Cover and allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, roughly one hour.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Topping
While the dough is rising, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract next, then gently fold in the cake flour and milk powder until a soft dough forms. Chill this cookie dough wrapped in plastic as this helps it become firm enough to roll out smoothly later.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries to maintain their shape and texture. Keeping the filling chilled until assembly will ensure it stays firm and delicious.
Step 4: Shape and Assemble
Once the dough has sufficiently risen, punch it down and divide it into eight equal portions. Flatten each piece gently and spoon in a dollop of the strawberry cream cheese filling. Seal the dough carefully and shape it into a smooth ball. Place the buns onto a tray and allow them to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes – this second rise will guarantee those soft, airy buns you’re aiming for!
Step 5: Add the Cookie Topping and Bake
Roll out the chilled cookie topping dough into a thin sheet and cut it into rounds matching the size of your buns. Place each cookie round on top of each bun, then brush everything lightly with a beaten egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the buns turn golden brown and irresistible. Allow them to cool slightly before savoring.
How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
Garnishes
This Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe shines with its own vibrant colors, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey on top just before serving adds an extra hint of sweetness and a beautiful finish. You might also consider a few fresh strawberry slices artfully placed on the side for a fresh and inviting touch.
Side Dishes
These pineapple buns are versatile enough to enjoy alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. They also pair wonderfully with light fruit salads or a refreshing yogurt parfait for a more substantial brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, you can cut these buns in half and serve them open-faced with an extra smear of cream cheese and fresh strawberry slices. Alternatively, arrange them in a basket lined with a pretty cloth for gifting or serving at a gathering – they’re sure to impress with their inviting aroma and charming appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their softness without drying out. If you prefer, refrigeration extends their lifespan slightly, though it may dry out the texture a bit.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the buns wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to one month without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored buns by warming them gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until soft and warm. You can also microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 20 to 30 seconds if you’re short on time, but be mindful not to overheat to preserve the filling texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Frozen strawberries tend to release extra moisture when thawed, which can make the filling runny. It’s best to use fresh, cold strawberries to keep the cream cheese filling firm and flavorful.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a milder, creamier filling or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re catering to dietary needs.
What is the origin of the pineapple bun?
The pineapple bun, despite its name, has no pineapple inside. It originated in Hong Kong and gets its name from the cookie topping that resembles the texture of a pineapple’s skin. This Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe adds a fruity twist with a delicious filling inside.
Can I make the dough by hand, or do I need a mixer?
You can definitely make the dough by hand with some elbow grease! Kneading for about 10 minutes should develop enough gluten for a good rise and soft texture.
Why do we need to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the cookie dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out and helping it keep its shape on top of the buns when baking, resulting in that signature crackly pineapple bun look.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something truly special, the Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe is a heartwarming way to bring a little bakery magic into your kitchen. It’s a rewarding bake that balances sweet, creamy, and fresh tastes with comforting textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with loved ones – these buns have a way of spreading happiness bite by bite!
Print
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns, featuring soft homemade buns topped with a sweet cookie crust and filled with a creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese mixture. Inspired by classic Hong Kong bakery treats, these buns balance fruity freshness with rich, buttery textures, perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
For the Buns
- 2½ cups bread flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
For the Cookie Topping
- â…“ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- â…“ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- â…” cup cake flour
- 1 tbsp milk powder
For the Filling
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (diced)
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm milk and one egg, then knead the mixture until a dough forms. Incorporate the softened butter and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Make the Cookie Topping: While the dough is rising, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in cake flour and milk powder until you have a soft dough. Wrap the topping dough in plastic wrap and chill to firm up.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in diced fresh strawberries. Chill this filling until ready to use to maintain firmness.
- Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece and place a spoonful of chilled strawberry cream cheese filling in the center. Carefully seal the edges and shape into smooth balls. Place the shaped buns on a baking tray and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Apply Cookie Topping and Egg Wash: Roll out the chilled cookie topping dough and cut into rounds sized to fit the buns. Place one round on top of each bun. Brush each bun with beaten egg wash to ensure a shiny golden finish after baking.
- Bake the Buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18–20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use cold strawberries when preparing the filling to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- Mascarpone cheese can be substituted for cream cheese if you prefer a milder, creamier filling flavor.
