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Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese Bakery Style

Description

Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns are soft, fluffy buns filled with a rich cream cheese and fresh strawberry mixture, topped with a signature sweet and crumbly pineapple-style crust. These buns combine a tender dough with a fruity, creamy center and a golden, crackly topping that resembles a pineapple’s texture and appearance, making them a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Bun Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup water (if needed for dough consistency)

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Pineapple Topping

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Yellow food coloring (optional, to create the “pineapple” look)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bun Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt to form the dry ingredient base for your dough.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the dough starts coming together.
  3. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too stiff, add water a little at a time to reach the right consistency.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
  5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add Strawberries: Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Set aside.
  7. Prepare Pineapple Topping: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  8. Mix Dry Ingredients for Topping: Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until completely combined.
  9. Add Color: If desired, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the topping mixture to create the signature pineapple golden hue.
  10. Set Topping Aside: Leave the prepared topping mixture ready for use in assembling the buns.
  11. Divide Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 12 equal portions.
  12. Shape Dough: Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then flatten into a disc shape.
  13. Add Filling: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese and strawberry filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch the dough to seal tightly.
  14. Arrange on Baking Tray: Place the filled buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.
  15. Coat Buns with Topping: Roll each filled bun into the pineapple topping mixture so it is evenly coated with a thick crumbly layer on top.
  16. Second Rise: Allow the buns to rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and slightly enlarged.
  17. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  18. Bake Buns: Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and the topping has slightly cracked.
  19. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let the buns cool a little before serving.
  20. Serve: Enjoy the strawberry and cream cheese pineapple buns warm for the best experience of their soft texture and delicious filling.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
  • Kneading is crucial for elastic dough; don’t rush this step.
  • The yellow food coloring in the topping is optional but helps create the classic pineapple bun appearance.
  • Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, but frozen, thawed strawberries can be used if fresh aren’t available.
  • Make sure to seal the buns tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  • Serve buns warm for the best texture and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently before eating.

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Find it online: https://tastytablemagic.com/strawberry-and-cream-cheese-pineapple-buns-recipe/