Wild Blueberry Ricotta Sweet Buns

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of sweet, tangy ricotta cheese, bursting wild blueberries, and a soft, fluffy bun. Wild Blueberry Ricotta Sweet Buns are your perfect morning treat, an indulgent afternoon snack, or even a special addition to brunch. Picture the warm, pillowy buns fresh out of the oven, lightly sweetened with the natural fruitiness of blueberries and the rich creaminess of ricotta. Trust me, these buns are the kind of thing that make you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy bakery, enjoying the simplest yet most satisfying pleasures in life.

Why You’ll Love Wild Blueberry Ricotta Sweet Buns

This recipe is about creating moments of joy with every bite, and here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Light and Fluffy

The buns are so soft and tender, they practically melt in your mouth. The ricotta keeps them moist, while the slight sweetness of the blueberries adds that perfect fruity touch.

Easy to Make

Even though they look like they belong in a bakery window, these buns are actually quite simple to make. No complicated techniques or tricky ingredients—just wholesome, easy-to-follow steps that anyone can master.

Versatile and Customizable

Want to add a bit of zing? Try incorporating a touch of lemon zest into the dough or glaze for a refreshing citrus kick. If blueberries aren’t your thing, you can easily swap them out for raspberries or strawberries!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These sweet buns are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon tea, or as a treat for a special occasion. They’re just the right balance of sweet and rich, making them a crowd-pleaser every time.

A Little Bit of Comfort

There’s something comforting about a warm, fresh-from-the-oven bun. It’s the perfect feel-good dessert or snack that brings a little bit of happiness to your day.

Ingredients

These ingredients combine to create the softest, most delicious buns that you’ll want to make again and again.

Wild Blueberries

These juicy, antioxidant-packed berries are the star of the show. Their sweet-tart flavor shines through and provides beautiful color to the buns.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta is the secret ingredient that makes these buns extra soft and rich. It’s creamy and smooth, creating a luxurious texture.

Yeast

The yeast helps the dough rise and gives the buns that light, fluffy texture we all love.

Flour

A basic yet essential ingredient, flour gives the dough structure and helps it rise perfectly.

Sugar

A touch of sugar sweetens the dough just enough to bring out the fruit’s natural flavor.

Butter

Rich, melted butter adds flavor and a soft, tender crumb to the buns.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the dough together and give it that perfect rise and soft texture.

Lemon Zest (Optional)

For an extra pop of freshness, a little lemon zest is the perfect complement to the blueberries.

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

Instructions

Let’s get started with creating these delectable buns:

Prepare Your Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and ensures a fluffy rise.

Mix the Dough

In the same bowl, add the ricotta cheese, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest (if using). Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s 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 place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The dough should feel soft and pillowy.

Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, then sprinkle the wild blueberries evenly over the dough. Roll it up tightly into a log, then slice it into individual buns.

Second Rise

Place the buns into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover with a towel and let the buns rise again for 30-45 minutes, until they’ve puffed up and are touching each other.

Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re done when you smell that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!

Optional Glaze

For a little extra sweetness, you can make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk or lemon juice. Drizzle it over the warm buns just before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the buns cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth combination of ricotta, blueberries, and that perfect bun texture. Trust me, once you try one, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)

How to Serve Wild Blueberry Ricotta Sweet Buns

These buns are perfect on their own, but if you want to make them even more indulgent, here are some ideas:

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more dessert-like experience.

Drizzled with Honey

A light drizzle of honey will enhance the natural sweetness of the blueberries and complement the creaminess of the ricotta.

As a Breakfast Treat

Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or brunch spread. They’ll quickly become a morning favorite!

With Fresh Fruit

Pair these buns with fresh berries on the side for a refreshing, balanced bite.

Additional Tips

Make Them Ahead

You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning. This is a great way to save time for busy mornings.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze the buns before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the buns, then freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container. To bake, just let them thaw and rise before popping them in the oven.

Add a Twist

Feel free to add other ingredients to the dough like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even some finely chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Store Them Properly

Keep leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

A1: Yes! Frozen blueberries will work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese besides ricotta?

A2: Ricotta adds a creamy texture, but if you prefer, you could try mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar result.

Q3: How can I make these buns gluten-free?

A3: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure the flour blend includes xanthan gum to help with texture.

Q4: Can I make these buns vegan?

A4: Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and use a plant-based butter and dairy-free ricotta to make these buns vegan.

Q5: Can I make these ahead of time?

A5: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake them in the morning for a fresh, homemade treat.

Q6: How do I store leftover buns?

A6: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q7: Can I add other fruits to these buns?

A7: Definitely! Raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries would all work beautifully in these buns.

Q8: How do I reheat leftover buns?

A8: Reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up.

Q9: How can I make these buns sweeter?

A9: If you prefer a sweeter bun, add a little more sugar to the dough or drizzle them with a glaze or powdered sugar after baking.

Q10: Can I freeze these buns?

A10: Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble them, then freeze them. To bake, just thaw and allow them to rise.

Conclusion

These Wild Blueberry Ricotta Sweet Buns are the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and tangy. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, breakfast, or just because you’re craving something extraordinary, these buns will not disappoint. Soft, fluffy, and full of delicious wild blueberries, they’re sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire. Happy baking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Wild Blueberry Ricotta Sweet Buns


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Wild Blueberry Ricotta Sweet Buns are soft, pillowy, and bursting with fresh wild blueberries! The addition of ricotta cheese makes them extra moist and flavorful. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ricotta Filling:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)

For the Glaze (optional):

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
    Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
    In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    Gently fold in the wild blueberries (if using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them). Set aside.
  3. Assemble the Buns:
    Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches on a floured surface.
    Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
    Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces and arrange the buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
    Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
  4. Bake the Buns:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
  5. Make the Glaze (optional):
    While the buns are cooling, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the buns once they’ve cooled slightly.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    Serve the buns warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect brunch treat!

Notes

  • If you prefer a stronger blueberry flavor, you can mix the blueberries directly into the dough instead of the ricotta mixture.
  • For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top of the buns before baking.
  • These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm them slightly before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star