If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that brings together the soft, pillowy texture of classic buns with the sweet tang of fresh strawberries and smooth cream cheese, look no further. This Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe is a beautiful harmony of Asian-inspired baking tradition and fresh, fruity flavors. Imagine biting into a bun with a crackly, cookie-like pineapple topping, revealing a luscious cream cheese and strawberry filling that is nothing short of heavenly. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a perfect balance of texture and sweetness that will win hearts every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role in achieving the perfect bun. From the softness of the dough to the creamy filling and the signature pineapple topping, every component is essential to the final experience.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups for dough, ½ cup for topping): Provides structure and softness to the buns and texture to the topping.
- Milk powder (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons for dough, ¼ cup for topping): Sweetens the dough and creates the crisp topping.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Instant yeast (1 tablespoon): Ensures the dough rises beautifully for that fluffy texture.
- Warm milk (¾ cup): Activates the yeast and moistens the dough.
- Egg (1 large for dough, 1 beaten for egg wash): Adds richness and helps give the buns a golden color.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons for dough, ¼ cup for topping): Enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Diced fresh strawberries (1 cup): Bring juicy bursts of fruity freshness to the cream cheese filling.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Creates a creamy, tangy filling to complement the strawberries.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese filling without grit.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for filling, ½ teaspoon for topping): Adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth.
- Milk (1 tablespoon for topping): Helps bind the pineapple topping dough.
- Baking soda and baking powder (¼ teaspoon each for topping): Give the topping slight lift and texture.
How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bun Dough
Start by combining the flour, milk powder, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the warm milk and add the egg, stirring the mixture until it forms a rough dough. Next, incorporate the softened butter and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten that gives the buns their wonderful structure. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese and Strawberry Filling
While the dough is rising, whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, taking care to keep their shape rather than smashing them. This filling will give the buns their luscious and refreshing center. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to fill the dough, so it stays nice and firm.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple Topping
In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract before gradually mixing in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Work the ingredients into a soft dough that’s easy to handle but not sticky. This topping is what gives the pineapple buns their iconic crackly, cookie-like crust even though it doesn’t contain any pineapple. Divide it into small pieces for the buns later on.
Step 4: Assemble the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece gently and place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese and strawberry filling in the center. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the filling inside, then roll into smooth balls. Take a small piece of the pineapple topping dough, flatten it into a disc, and place it on top of each bun. This topping will create that classic pineapple bun look and texture. Cover the buns and let them rise again for 30 minutes to get fluffy and puffy.
Step 5: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush each bun gently with the beaten egg wash to give them a lovely golden shine. Bake the buns for 18 to 20 minutes or until the topping is beautifully golden and slightly crackled. Let the buns cool slightly on a rack before indulging, as the filling needs a moment to set.
How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the buns just before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a subtle texture and sweetness. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pretty contrast and a fresh scent that pairs wonderfully with the filling.
Side Dishes
These buns pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea — jasmine or green tea are excellent choices as their subtle flavors balance the sweetness of the buns. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a café latte to complement the creamy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving these buns on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh strawberries and small bowls of cream cheese and honey for dipping. You can also slice them in half and serve as petite breakfast sandwiches with a bit of crisp bacon or nut butter for a fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best to preserve freshness, though the texture may slightly firm up.
Freezing
You can freeze the buns after baking and cooling completely. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this delight whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To revive the buns, thaw them at room temperature and warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the soft texture of the dough and makes the cream cheese filling irresistibly creamy again. Avoid microwaving as it may cause uneven heating and soggy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure you thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the filling. You may want to lightly pat them dry to keep the filling from becoming too runny.
Does the pineapple topping contain real pineapple?
No, the pineapple topping is named for its appearance, not its ingredients. It’s a sweet, crumbly crust that mimics the look of pineapple skin and adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft bun.
Can I make the dough with gluten-free flour?
Gluten is crucial for this type of dough to achieve its characteristic stretch and rise, so gluten-free flour blends usually do not work well here. However, if you want to experiment, look for a strong gluten-free baking mix designed for bread and adjust expectations accordingly.
Is it possible to prepare the buns without yeast?
Yeast is necessary for this recipe to provide the signature light and airy texture. Using baking soda or powder alone won’t give the same fluffy, risen effect as yeast does in the dough.
Can I substitute cream cheese filling with something else?
Absolutely! You could try mascarpone, ricotta sweetened with honey, or even a thicker yogurt-based filling. Just ensure it’s firm enough to hold together when baking and pairs well with strawberries.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe is like inviting a little bit of bakery magic into your own kitchen. The mix of the crackly topping with the luscious, fruity filling inside is an absolute delight to make and enjoy — whether for a special brunch, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share these warm, comforting treats with loved ones. You might just find that these buns become your new favorite indulgence!
Print
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 buns
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns, a soft and fluffy Asian-inspired sweet bun featuring a creamy strawberry cream cheese filling and a signature crackly, cookie-like pineapple topping. Perfect as a dessert or snack, these buns combine tender dough with fruity richness and a slightly crunchy crust for a truly satisfying treat.
Ingredients
For the Bun Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons milk powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Brushing:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, milk powder, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm milk and egg, stirring until a dough starts to form. Knead in the softened butter and continue kneading for about 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth, then gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries. Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.
- Prepare Pineapple Topping: Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder to form a soft dough.
- Shape the Buns: Divide the risen bun dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece and place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese and strawberry filling in the center. Pinch the dough to seal and shape into smooth balls.
- Apply Topping and Second Rise: Flatten a small piece of the pineapple topping dough and place it over each bun. Cover the buns again and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven and Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush each bun lightly with beaten egg to give a glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 18–20 minutes or until the buns are golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of soft bread and creamy filling.
Notes
- Use freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry jam for the filling if fresh strawberries are too juicy to prevent soggy buns.
- The pineapple topping does not contain pineapple; it is named for its resemblance to the textured, crackly crust typical of Hong Kong-style pineapple buns.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, when mixing with yeast to activate it properly without killing it.
- You can store leftover buns in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use non-dairy butter and milk.
