Delightful Delicacy: Homemade Strawberry Cream Buns
Embark on a journey of culinary delight with our recipe for Homemade Strawberry Cream Buns. These delectable treats offer a harmonious blend of soft, pillowy buns filled with a luscious strawberry cream filling—an irresistible combination that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, these delightful buns are guaranteed to impress. Join us as we guide you through the steps to create these heavenly delights from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Bun Dough:
- 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, for egg wash
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- 1 block (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, warm milk, egg, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Shape the Buns:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a small disk. Place a spoonful of the strawberry cream filling in the center of each disk.
- Second Rise:
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal, shaping each bun into a round ball. Place the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush with Egg Wash:
- Once the buns have risen, gently brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a shiny golden finish.
- Bake the Buns:
- Bake the strawberry cream buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the ultimate indulgence.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fresh Strawberry Variation: For a burst of fresh flavor, you can replace the strawberry jam in the filling with fresh strawberries. Simply dice the strawberries and mix them with the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract.
- Chocolate Twist: If you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate-infused version of these buns.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications:
- Keto Version: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content. Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the keto version instructions, ensuring that all ingredients used are low in carbohydrates. Opt for sugar-free strawberry jam or make your own using a natural sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze the strawberry cream buns? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked buns for up to 1 month. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I use other types of fruit jam for the filling? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jam, such as raspberry, blueberry, or peach, to customize the filling to your taste preferences.
*Elevate your baking skills and treat yourself to the irresistible charm of our Homemade Strawberry Cream Buns. With their soft and fluffy texture, decadent strawberry cream filling, and delightful sweetness, these