If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a soft, sweet bun bursting with the luscious flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy cheese, then this Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe is your new best friend. This Asian-inspired treat brings together the pillowy delight of classic pineapple buns with a vibrant strawberry cream cheese center that’s nothing short of magical. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the crunchy, cookie-like topping to the moist, tangy strawberry filling wrapped in warm, fluffy bread. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite homemade bakery-style buns to share or savor all by yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible strawberry and cream cheese pineapple buns, we keep things straightforward with ingredients that shine individually and come together beautifully. Each component has a special role, crafting a soft bun with a sweet crust and a fruity, creamy surprise inside.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The essential base giving the buns their tender and elastic structure.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough to complement the filling.
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup warm whole milk: Provides moisture and richness, activating the yeast perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and binds the dough ingredients together.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Ensures tenderness and richness in every bite.
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the filling that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just enough without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and subtle sweetness of the filling and topping.
- 3/4 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped): Adds freshness and natural sweetness, carefully diced to prevent sogginess.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping): Forms the crisp cookie-like crust on top of the buns.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping): Sweetens and lightly caramelizes the crust.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened for topping): Creates a delicate crumbly texture in the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping): Adds a fragrant note to the crunchy topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the topping rise slightly for that perfect pineapple bun character.
How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Warm milk, a cozy temperature that wakes up the yeast without killing it, joins in with the egg and butter to create a soft dough. Knead this dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic—you’ll know you’ve nailed it when it bounces back gently from your touch. Then, pop it into a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size, which typically takes around an hour. This step is key for a light, fluffy texture that’s signature to pineapple buns.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling
While the dough does its magic, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and finely chopped fresh strawberries in a separate bowl. This mixture must be chilled in the refrigerator to firm up, ensuring that when you add it to the buns, the filling stays nestled inside and doesn’t ooze out during baking. The fresh strawberries bring bright bursts of flavor while the cream cheese adds a smooth richness.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple Bun Topping
Next, focus on the topping—the iconic feature that gives pineapple buns their name and crunch. Combine flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Mix them into a soft dough that resembles cookie batter. This will be rolled out later to form the deliciously crisp and lightly sweet crust that cracks as the buns bake.
Step 4: Assemble the Buns
When your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece and place a spoonful of the chilled strawberry cream cheese filling right in the center. Seal the dough around the filling securely, forming smooth balls with the seams tucked underneath—this keeps that precious filling sealed inside.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Let Rise
Roll out the topping dough into thin discs, one for each bun, and place each disc gently over a bun. Press lightly to cover the surface, then use a knife to score a crisscross pattern on top, mimicking the signature pineapple bun look. Allow these beauties to rest and rise loosely covered for about 20 minutes. This short rise creates a light, tender crumb inside and lets the topping adhere perfectly.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the buns rest. Bake them for 18 to 22 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and fragrant. Let the buns cool slightly before indulging so that the filling can set just right and you avoid hot cream cheese surprises. The final result is a warm, inviting bun with a crisp top and a luscious center.
How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm and flavor, sprinkle a little powdered sugar dust over the cooled buns before serving. A few fresh strawberry slices on the side or a small mint leaf can elevate the presentation and add a fresh burst of aroma that complements the filling. For extra decadence, a light drizzle of honey or a smear of softened butter enhances the buttery notes.
Side Dishes
These buns pair gorgeously with a simple cup of tea or coffee, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. If you want to serve them as part of a dessert spread, fresh fruit salads or lightly whipped cream balance the richness of the cream cheese filling wonderfully without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress friends by cutting the buns in half and serving them as mini sliders with an additional dollop of strawberry jam or cream cheese frosting on the side. Another fun presentation is arranging them in a basket lined with a bright napkin for a picnic or brunch, adding rustic charm and easy sharing. You could also gently warm and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with more buns than you can eat in one sitting, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the dough tender and the filling delicious while preventing the topping from becoming overly soft.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the buns individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. This method locks in freshness and flavor, so you can enjoy homemade goodness anytime.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw buns at room temperature if frozen, then gently warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes or microwave them for short bursts of 15 seconds to avoid drying out. A light reheat brings back that soft texture and melts the cream cheese filling slightly, as if fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese is essential for the classic tangy creaminess, you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a milder flavor. However, keep in mind that texture and consistency might vary slightly.
Why is it called a pineapple bun if there’s no pineapple in it?
The name comes from the topping’s appearance, which has a cracked, golden pattern resembling pineapple skin. This traditional Asian bun features a sugary cookie dough crust, not actual pineapple.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Chilling the strawberry cream cheese filling helps it stay firm and sealed. Also, make sure to pinch the dough seam tightly when enclosing the filling to prevent any leaks.
Can I use frozen strawberries in the filling?
Frozen strawberries tend to release excess moisture, which can make the filling watery. If you must use them, thaw and drain thoroughly, then pat dry before chopping and mixing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin products, making it a delicious treat for vegetarians.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe treats at home—each step from kneading to that first warm bite feels like a delicious celebration of simple ingredients done right. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging solo, these buns bring cozy bakery vibes straight to your kitchen. So go ahead, grab those strawberries and cream cheese, and dive into making these unforgettable sweet buns that will brighten up any day!
Print
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns, soft sweet bread rolls filled with a luscious strawberry cream cheese mixture and topped with a signature cookie-like crust. These Asian-inspired dessert buns combine tender dough with a fruity, creamy filling, perfect for a special treat or bakery-style indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, egg, and softened butter, and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Proof the dough: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and finely chopped strawberries until well combined. Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.
- Prepare the topping: Mix together the flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and baking powder until a soft cookie-like dough forms.
- Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion, add a spoonful of strawberry cream cheese filling in the center, and seal tightly. Shape each into a smooth ball and place seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
- Apply the topping: Flatten the topping dough into thin discs and place one disc over each bun, gently pressing to cover. Use a knife to lightly score a crisscross pattern on the topping.
- Final rise: Cover the buns loosely and let them rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 18 to 22 minutes until the topping is lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use finely chopped strawberries to prevent excess moisture in the filling which can affect the bun texture.
- These buns are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated.
