Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy bun crowned with a sweet pineapple crust, bursting with luscious strawberry and cream cheese filling inside—this is the magic of the Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe. This Asian-inspired treat combines the subtle chewiness of bread with a golden, crumbly topping and a fruity, creamy center that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring during a quiet afternoon tea. Get ready to create a charming bakery-style dessert right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for this recipe is a breeze, and each ingredient plays a starring role in crafting the perfect bun—from the tender, elastic dough to the fragrant pineapple crust, and the fresh, creamy filling that ties it all together.
- Bread flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the ideal amount of gluten for a soft yet chewy bun texture.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and helps the yeast activate.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavor and enhances yeast performance.
- Instant yeast (2 teaspoons): Ensures quick and reliable dough rising.
- Warm milk (3/4 cup): Hydrates the dough while delivering richness and tenderness.
- Unsalted butter – softened (2 tablespoons + 1/3 cup for crust): Adds richness and keeps the dough moist, while forming the luscious pineapple crust topping.
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons for filling): Offers smooth sweetness both in the crust and the cream cheese filling.
- Egg yolk (1): Binds ingredients in the crust and lends a beautiful golden color.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts a lovely aroma and depth of flavor to the crust.
- All-purpose flour (2/3 cup): Used in the crust to create that classic pineapple bun crumbly texture.
- Milk powder (1 tablespoon): Enhances the buttery flavor and adds softness to the crust.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the crust.
- Diced fresh strawberries (1/2 cup): Provide a juicy, refreshing punch to the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese – softened (4 ounces): Creates the rich, tangy base for the filling.
- Lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens the filling with a hint of zest.
How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl, creating the foundation for the dough. Slowly add the warm milk while stirring to bring everything together into a soft dough. Then, incorporate the softened butter and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes, until the dough turns silky smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and set it aside for an hour to rise, allowing the yeast to work its magic and double the dough’s size.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Crust Topping
While your dough is rising, whisk together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy—this step is key for that delicate, crumbly crust. Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, blending them until fully incorporated. Sift in the all-purpose flour, milk powder, and a pinch of salt, folding them into a soft dough. Shape this topping dough into a log, wrap it snugly in plastic, and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill and firm up.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until perfectly smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, being careful not to crush them—you want those lovely chunks of strawberry to shine through inside each bun.
Step 4: Assemble the Buns
Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down and divide it into eight equal portions. Flatten each piece and spoon a generous amount of the strawberry cream cheese filling into the center. Carefully pinch the dough edges to seal in the filling, then roll into neat balls. Place each ball on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out comfortably.
Step 5: Add the Pineapple Crust and Final Rise
Retrieve the chilled topping dough and slice it into eight equal discs. Lay one disc over each bun, gently pressing to adhere. Cover the buns again and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes, giving that crust enough time to relax and meld with the buns.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18 to 20 minutes, until they achieve a warm golden hue and that irresistible crackled crust we all love. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly—this little pause ensures the filling sets just right before you dive in.
How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe, consider dusting the tops with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light glaze of honey for extra shine. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These buns shine on their own, but pairing them with a cup of jasmine tea or a light fruit salad can transform your snack or dessert into a complete experience. The floral notes in the tea enhance the strawberries, while the fruit salad adds a refreshing textural balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the buns on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, surrounded by fresh strawberry halves and small bowls of cream cheese or strawberry jam. You can also slice them horizontally to reveal the luscious filling, letting guests assemble their own open-faced treats for an interactive twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe, keep them fresh by sealing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves their softness and prevents the crust from hardening.
Freezing
You can freeze these buns individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy a near-fresh taste and texture.
Reheating
To bring your buns back to life, warm them gently in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel for 20 seconds. This helps soften the crust while warming the filling inside perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, use thawed and thoroughly drained frozen strawberries to keep the filling from becoming too watery.
What is the pineapple crust, and why is it called that?
The “pineapple crust” is a sweet, crumbly topping that creates a cracked pattern resembling a pineapple’s skin, lending both texture and a classic appearance to these buns.
Can I make these buns vegan or dairy-free?
While this recipe relies on dairy for that rich taste, you can experiment by substituting plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How long does it take to prepare and bake these buns?
From start to finish, expect about 1 hour and 50 minutes, including rising and baking time, making it a wonderful weekend baking project.
What’s the best way to store leftover buns?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels both familiar and excitingly new, the Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe is your go-to treat. Its perfect balance of a tender bun, crackly topping, and fruity, creamy filling never fails to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this little piece of bakery heaven—you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns, a popular Chinese bakery treat with a soft, fluffy dough topped with a sweet and crisp pineapple crust. Filled with a luscious blend of fresh strawberries and smooth cream cheese, these buns offer a perfect balance of fruity tang and creamy sweetness, ideal for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Pineapple Crust Topping
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon milk powder
- pinch of salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add warm milk, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add softened butter and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Pineapple Crust: While the dough rises, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Sift in the all-purpose flour, milk powder, and salt, then mix until a soft dough forms. Shape this dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Gently fold in diced fresh strawberries, taking care not to break them up too much.
- Assemble the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 8 equal balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place a spoonful of the strawberry cream cheese filling in the center. Pinch the dough around the filling to seal completely and reshape into smooth balls. Arrange the buns on a lined baking sheet.
- Top with Pineapple Crust: Remove the chilled pineapple crust dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 8 equal discs. Place one disc on top of each bun, gently pressing down to cover. Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used instead of fresh, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- For a more tangy filling, increase the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
