Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Buns
Soft, buttery buns filled with creamy cheesecake and a sweet strawberry jam center, finished with a crumbly streusel topping — these Strawberry Cheesecake Streusel Buns are the perfect treat for any occasion. Every bite is a delicious balance of pillowy bread, tangy cheesecake, and bright bursts of strawberry, topped with a golden crunch. Whether you're baking for brunch, a special gathering, or simply a cozy afternoon, these beautiful buns are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 190gwarm milk
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 375g all-purpose flour
- 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
Strawberry Center:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam (good quality or homemade)
Streusel Topping:
- 80 all-purpose flour
- 85g sugar
- pinch of salt
- 45g butter, room temperature
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- Diced strawberries for decorating the buns (optional)
Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes in a warm, draft-free place until frothy.
2. Make the Dough:
In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the flour, sugar, butter, and the activated yeast milk mixture. If using unsalted butter, add 1/2 tsp salt.
Knead on medium speed for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
(Tip: To check if the dough is ready, perform the windowpane test: pinch off a small piece of dough and stretch it gently between your fingers. If it stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, it’s ready. If it tears easily, knead a little longer.)
3. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
4. Prepare Cheesecake Filling:
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
5. Make Streusel Topping:
In another bowl, combine flour, salt and sugar. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until needed.
6. Shape the Buns:
After the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide into 8 equal pieces.
Flatten each piece slightly and make a small indent in the center (like a shallow cup).
Add about 1 teaspoon cheesecake filling and 1/2 teaspoon strawberry jam into each center.
7. Second Rise:
Place the filled buns on a lined baking tray, leaving some space between each. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 40-50 minutes.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk to make the egg wash.
Gently brush the tops and sides of the risen buns with egg wash.
Then sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each bun.
9. Preheat oven to 180°C .
Bake the buns for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and the filling is set.
10. Transfer buns to a wire rack to cool slightly. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.