Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked pastries, their sweet scent mingling with the promise of a delightful breakfast. Strawberries and Cream Morning Buns are the perfect way to start your day, combining the classic flavors of strawberries and cream with the indulgent allure of a warm, flaky bun. These pastries are a symphony of textures and tastes, making every morning feel like a special occasion.
Morning buns are beloved for their tender, buttery dough and delicate layers, reminiscent of the finest croissants. Adding strawberries and cream takes these buns to a whole new level of deliciousness. The sweet, juicy strawberries provide a burst of fruity flavor, while the creamy filling adds a rich, velvety smoothness that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful contrast of flaky pastry and luscious filling, creating a breakfast treat that’s both comforting and luxurious.
These morning buns are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant red strawberries and the creamy filling peeking through the golden, flaky layers make for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re looking to elevate your weekend brunch, surprise someone special, or simply enjoy a decadent breakfast, Strawberries and Cream Morning Buns are the perfect choice.
Ready to bring a touch of indulgence to your morning routine? Let’s dive into the recipe and bake a batch of Strawberries and Cream Morning Buns that will make every morning feel like a celebration.
The Filling That Steals the Show
A perfect filling adds flavor and a hint of luxury to any pastry. For a unique twist, try a freeze-dried strawberry cream cheese filling. It combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with the intense sweetness of freeze-dried strawberries. The result? A filling that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.
Why Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries?
Freeze-dried strawberries are a secret weapon in baking. Unlike fresh strawberries, they pack intense flavor without extra moisture, ensuring your filling stays smooth and firm. They’re lightweight, easy to store, and capture all the natural sweetness and tang of fresh berries. This makes them ideal for boosting any cream cheese filling.
Simple Process, Big Impact
Creating this filling is simple. Just mix finely ground freeze-dried strawberries into softened cream cheese. The result is a beautifully pink, smooth filling that holds its shape well. It’s perfect for piping into buns, spreading between cake layers, or topping cupcakes. Each bite delivers a burst of strawberry flavor.
A Feast for the Eyes and Palate
Not only is this filling tasty, but it’s also visually striking. The vibrant color and creamy texture add a gourmet touch to any dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or an everyday treat, this freeze-dried strawberry cream cheese filling will impress and delight every time.
Baking is about more than just taste—it’s also a chance to create visually appealing treats that show care and creativity. For instance, imagine serving loved ones heart-shaped Strawberries and Cream Morning Buns, a thoughtful and delicious way to start the day. Shaping these pastries into hearts adds a playful touch of romance, making them perfect for special occasions or simply as a way to show someone you care.
Here’s how to create these heart-shaped morning buns:
Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into equal-sized slices, each about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Form the Hearts: Take each slice and gently press one side to create a pointed bottom, forming the base of the heart. Pinch the opposite side to form the top indent of the heart. Adjust the shape with your fingers, ensuring each bun resembles a heart.
Strawberries & Cream Morning Buns
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 ¾ cups bread flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup strawberries chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries finely crushed
For the icing:
- ¼ cup reserved filling
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 ¾ cups bread flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt.3 ¾ cups bread flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt
- Add the 1 cup whole milk to a microwave bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Use a thermometer to ensure the liquid is between 105-110 degrees F.1 cup whole milk
- Add the milk to the bowl of an electric mixer. Sprinkle the 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast over the milk and lightly stir. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until somewhat frothy.2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- Add the ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the milk and whisk until combined.¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the flour to the wet ingredients 1 cup at a time, completely mixing with a dough hook on medium speed before each addition. Once all of the flour has been added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat with the dough hook for about 8 minutes until the dough is a smooth and elastic ball. (alternatively you can manually knead with your hands for about 10 minutes until you achieve the same results.
- If the dough is so stick that it sticks to your hands, add more flour 2 tbsp at a time and beat on low speed until the dough comes together.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and then a damp, warm kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish or a cast iron skillet (what I prefer) by greasing it with butter.
- Meanwhile, start the filling by adding the 1 cup strawberries, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to a small saucepan. Cook on low heat for about 8 minutes, stirring constantly so that the sugar doesn’t burn. Cook until the fruit is soft and all the sugar is dissolved into a syrupy coating. Transfer the cooked strawberries to a heat-proof bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes.1 cup strawberries, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Once cooled, add the cooked strawberries and 1/2 cup of the crushed freeze-dried strawberries to a bowl with the 1 cup cream cheese. Beat with a hand mixer until fluffy and combined, for about 3 minutes.1 cup cream cheese, ¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle (approximately 16×20 inches).
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough and sprinkle the remaining freeze-dried strawberries evenly on top. Reserve a 1/4 cup of this filling for the icing.¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries
- Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into about 12 equal pieces.
- To make the rolls heart shaped, use a sharp knife to cut a 1 inch slice into the circle. Curve the split sides together into two rounded shapes that resemble the top of a heart. Pinch the other side of the roll into a point.
- Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Brush the buns with 2 tbsp heavy cream. Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown on top.2 tbsp heavy cream
- While the rolls are baking, make the icing by whisking together the ¼ cup reserved filling, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 tbsp powdered sugar until smooth.½ cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, ¼ cup reserved filling
- When the buns are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the icing over the top.
