Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns Recipe

If you love the dreamy combination of sweet strawberries, luscious cream cheese, and pillowy-soft buns, you’re in for a real treat with these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns. This recipe takes a beloved classic and elevates it with a creamy, fruity filling and that signature crackly golden topping. Every bite is simultaneously nostalgic and fresh, making these buns perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack. Trust me, once you taste the medley of textures and flavors, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns comes from a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing its own special touch. From the soft, enriched dough to the fruity filling and crackly topping, every component matters for that authentic bakery-style experience.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and a soft crumb for the buns.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and the topping, balancing all the flavors.
• Instant yeast: Ensures your buns are light, fluffy, and rise beautifully every time.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Warm milk: Adds richness and helps activate the yeast for a tender, flavorful dough.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for both the dough and the pineapple topping, giving a buttery aroma and melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and adds golden color and richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle warmth and depth to both the dough and the fillings.
• Water: Just enough to adjust the dough’s consistency, ensuring it’s supple but not sticky.
• Cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, lending creaminess and tang that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without any grittiness.
• Fresh strawberries (diced): Bring juicy bursts of flavor and color to every bite.
• Cornstarch: Helps the pineapple topping hold its signature crackly texture.
• Baking powder: Gives a little lift and added lightness to the topping.
• Yellow food coloring (optional): For that classic, sunny pineapple bun look—totally up to you, but so much fun!

How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Bun Dough

Start by gathering all your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl—flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. This simple blend is the foundation of your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns, so make sure everything is well combined for an even rise and flavor.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Bring Dough Together

Pour in the warm milk, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough just starts to come together. If it seems dry, gradually add water as needed—aim for a soft, slightly tacky dough that pulls away from the bowl.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture. This step is key for achieving that perfect, fluffy interior in every bun.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The anticipation is worth it—this rise gives your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns their signature softness.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While your dough rises, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until super smooth and creamy. This creates the decadent, tangy filling that perfectly complements the sweet strawberries.

Step 6: Add Strawberries to Filling

Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, being careful not to overmix. You want those juicy pops of berry to be evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Make the Pineapple Topping

Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and vanilla extract. For that signature pineapple bun look, add a few drops of yellow food coloring and mix until evenly colored.

Step 8: Set Aside the Topping

Let your topping rest while you assemble the buns. This helps it firm up a little, making it easier to handle and spread over the buns later.

Step 9: Divide and Shape the Dough

Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball, then flatten into discs ready for filling.

Step 10: Fill the Buns

Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese and strawberry filling into the center of each disc. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.

Step 11: Arrange on Tray

Place each filled bun seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Give them a little space, as they’ll puff up during the next rise and in the oven.

Step 12: Top with Pineapple Topping

Roll each bun in the pineapple topping or gently press the topping onto the top of each bun, forming a thick, crumbly layer. This step is what gives Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns their irresistible, crackly finish.

Step 13: Second Rise

Let the topped buns rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy and slightly larger. This last rise ensures they bake up light and airy.

Step 14: Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the topping is beautifully cracked. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 15: Cool and Serve

Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. The filling will still be gooey and warm, and the buns are at their fluffiest right out of the oven. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns!

How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these buns a charming, bakery-style finish. For extra flair, add a few fresh strawberry slices or a tiny dollop of whipped cream on top before serving. The vibrant color and creamy touch make the buns almost too pretty to eat.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of green tea for a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these buns into an unforgettable dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the buns on a rustic wooden board or in a basket lined with a pretty napkin for a cozy brunch vibe. For parties, try slicing them in half and adding a scoop of strawberry ice cream for a playful twist. However you serve them, these buns are guaranteed to be the star of the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent the filling from spoiling.

Freezing

These buns freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, warm the buns in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. The topping will regain its signature crunch and the filling will be delightfully creamy. A quick microwave zap also works in a pinch, but the oven is best for texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before folding into the filling to avoid excess moisture, which can make the buns soggy.

What if I don’t have yellow food coloring?

No worries! The food coloring is purely for looks and doesn’t affect the taste. Your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns will be just as delicious with a natural, buttery hue.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may differ slightly, but you’ll still get a lovely treat!

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe the next day.

How do I know when the buns are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown color and a slightly cracked topping. The buns should sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. Every oven is different, so start checking at the 18-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something special, Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns are a must-try. They’re soft, sweet, and filled with creamy, fruity goodness that’s impossible to resist. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend to bake with you, and enjoy every bite—you’re going to love this twist on a classic!

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