Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns

Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy bun that’s just sweet enough, with a crispy, golden topping that gives a satisfying crunch, and then—surprise!—you find a luscious strawberry and cream cheese filling inside. It’s a whole new world of flavor in every bite. These Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with the rich cream cheese and fresh strawberries perfectly complementing the light, airy bread. The best part? They’re simple to make and irresistibly good, making them a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a real treat!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns

Fluffy and Pillowy:

The soft, pillowy texture of the bun is what makes this recipe truly special. Each bite is light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The bread itself is a dream.

Creamy and Fruity Filling:

The combination of creamy cream cheese with fresh, tangy strawberries creates a balance of flavors that’s absolutely divine. The contrast of the cool, creamy filling against the warm, soft bun is everything.

Crunchy Pineapple Topping:

The signature crunchy topping, made with a mixture that’s slightly sweet and crisp, adds the perfect texture to the soft bun. It’s like a little bite of heaven on top!

Customizable:

Want to add a little extra zing? You can easily swap the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. You can even play with the cream cheese filling to make it more tangy or more sweet, depending on your preferences.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether you’re having a cozy breakfast, an afternoon tea, or a casual get-together, these buns will be the star of the show. They’re also perfect for gift-giving—who wouldn’t love a box of these gorgeous, fragrant buns?

Ingredients in Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns

Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious buns:

All-Purpose Flour:

This is the base of the dough, creating that soft, fluffy texture we all crave in a bun.

Yeast:

For the perfect rise and that airy, soft texture, yeast is essential.

Sugar:

We’ll use a bit of sugar in the dough to help activate the yeast and give the bread just the right amount of sweetness.

Milk:

To make the dough soft and rich, milk brings a gentle creaminess that helps bind everything together.

Butter:

Butter gives the dough a rich flavor, making it soft and slightly indulgent.

Egg:

The egg helps the dough come together and adds to the texture and color of the buns.

Fresh Strawberries:

These will be chopped into little pieces and mixed into the cream cheese filling, bringing a fresh, fruity note to balance the richness of the cream cheese.

Cream Cheese:

Smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy, cream cheese forms the heart of the filling, blending perfectly with the strawberries.

Pineapple Topping:

This crispy topping is the star! Made with butter, flour, sugar, and a little bit of baking powder, it creates the signature “pineapple” pattern and adds a satisfying crunch.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in and bake these beauties? Let’s get started!

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chopped strawberries, and a little sugar until smooth and well-combined. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Pineapple Topping:

In another bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, butter, and baking powder until it forms a crumbly dough. This will become the topping that gives the buns their signature crunch and pineapple pattern. Set aside.

4. Shape the Buns:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, then place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese and strawberry filling in the center. Pinch the dough around the filling to seal it, then shape it into a smooth ball. Place each ball of dough on a lined baking tray.

5. Add the Topping:

Gently roll the pineapple topping into small balls and flatten them slightly. Place one topping on top of each bun. Use a fork to lightly press a crisscross pattern into the topping to create the signature pineapple “design.”

6. Second Rise:

Cover the buns and let them rise for about 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up and get even fluffier.

7. Bake the Buns:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the buns have risen, bake them for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is slightly bubbly. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t over-brown.

8. Cool and Serve:

Let the buns cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed fresh, while the filling is still warm and the topping is crunchy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 8%
Potassium: 120mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5 hours
Bake Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 2-2.5 hours

How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns

These buns are a treat all on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more delightful:

With a Hot Beverage:

Pair these buns with your favorite hot beverage—coffee, tea, or even a warm latte. The soft buns and creamy filling will complement your drink perfectly.

For Breakfast or Brunch:

These buns are perfect for breakfast or brunch! Serve them with a side of fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent start to your day.

As a Snack:

Perfect for an afternoon snack, these buns are filling yet light enough to satisfy your hunger without weighing you down. Pop one in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up and get that freshly baked feel.

Additional Tips

Let the Dough Rise:

Be sure to let the dough rise fully to get that soft, airy texture. Don’t rush this step—it’s key to getting that perfect, fluffy bun.

Don’t Overfill:

When adding the cream cheese filling, don’t overstuff the buns. A little filling goes a long way, and you don’t want it to spill out during baking.

Make the Topping Ahead:

You can prepare the pineapple topping the night before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’ll save you some time during the assembly.

Freezing:

These buns freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.

Add More Fruit:

Feel free to swap the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches for a different flavor twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before mixing them into the cream cheese.

Q2: Can I make these buns ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance and store them in the fridge. Just let the dough rise before assembling.

Q3: Can I skip the pineapple topping?
A3: The pineapple topping adds a lot of texture and flavor, but if you prefer, you can skip it or replace it with a simple streusel topping.

Q4: How can I make the cream cheese filling less sweet?
A4: Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling to adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for a tangy kick.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Q6: Can I make these buns without yeast?
A6: These buns rely on yeast for their soft, fluffy texture, so it’s best to use it. However, you could try a quick bread version, though the texture will be different.

Q7: Can I use a different type of flour?
A7: All-purpose flour works best for these buns, but you could try substituting a portion with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.

Q8: Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
A8: Absolutely! You can swap strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced mango for a fun twist.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat these buns?
A9: Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Q10: Can I make these buns without the cream cheese?
A10: Yes, you can omit the cream cheese for a fruit-only filling or use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a vegan version.

Conclusion

These Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns are a fun and delicious treat that combines the best of both worlds—sweet, fruity, and creamy, all wrapped in a soft, fluffy bun. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special snack or serving them to guests, they’re sure to impress. Give them a try, and enjoy every heavenly bite!

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