Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun Recipe

If you love the buttery, crumbly delight of a Hong Kong-style pineapple bun and crave a modern twist, this Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun is about to become your go-to treat. Imagine the softest, fluffiest bread hugging a juicy strawberry and velvety cream cheese center, all crowned by that signature golden, cookie-like topping. Each bite gives you a little bit of summer, a little bit of nostalgia, and a whole lot of bakery magic—made right at home. Trust me, after making these once, you’ll want to whip up a batch whenever you can share a sweet moment (or indulge in one yourself).

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun may look impressive, but it’s built on everyday favorites found in most kitchens. Every component, from rich butter to fragrant vanilla and luscious strawberries, plays a starring role in making these buns as beautiful as they are delicious.

• Active Dry Yeast: The key to a beautifully fluffy bun; make sure it bubbles for maximum rise.
• Warm Milk: Adds richness and helps activate the yeast, creating a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the dough and adds the classic bakery sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bun, offering the perfect structure to hold our fillings.
• Salt: Just a bit pulls the flavors together and enhances everything else.
• Large Egg: Binds the dough and gives it that soft, sumptuous texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in the dough and topping, it brings richness to every bite.
• Cream Cheese: The heart of that dreamy, creamy strawberry center; soften for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in both the filling and topping for a fine, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a dash, but it infuses the filling with warm, inviting aroma.
• Fresh Strawberries: Diced strawberries add delightful pops of juicy fruit in the creamy filling.
• Cake Flour: Goes into the pineapple crust for a delicate, tender crumbly top.
• Baking Powder: Gives the topping a little lift and texture.
• Egg Yolk: Richness and color for the signature golden crust.
• Egg (beaten, for wash): Gives the buns that shiny, tempting finish as they bake.
• Extra Strawberries (garnish, optional): For a fresh, colorful flourish at serving time.

How to Make Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start this journey by bringing your yeast to life! In a small bowl, stir together the yeast, warm milk, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let this sit until it gets nice and foamy, about 5–10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is ready when you see a bubbly layer on top—this ensures your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun dough will rise perfectly soft and airy.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add in your yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Now comes the fun, therapeutic part: kneading! Work the dough for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic; this step is crucial for that characteristic bakery-style pillowy texture. Once kneaded, cover your bowl with a towel and let it rise for an hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese and Strawberry Filling

While the dough is rising, pull together the luscious center. In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Gently fold in the fresh chopped strawberries for a burst of fruity surprise. Pop the filling in the fridge—chilling helps it hold together during assembly, making your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun even easier to shape.

Step 4: Make the Pineapple Crust Topping

Now onto that classic, crumbly pineapple crust. With a hand mixer or spatula, cream the butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk, then gently fold in the cake flour and baking powder until just combined. Form this dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill; this step ensures you’ll get that beautiful, crisp, golden top.

Step 5: Assemble the Buns

Once your bread dough has finished its first rise, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk, spoon a dollop of the strawberry cream cheese filling into the center, and pinch the edges to seal. Shape into smooth rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is where each Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun begins to take on bakery-worthy form.

Step 6: Add the Pineapple Crust

Roll the chilled crust dough into 8 thick rounds. Gently press a round onto the top of each bun, making sure to cover just the top, not the sides. For that iconic look, use a sharp knife to score a crisscross pattern on each topping. Brush the buns lightly with beaten egg for glossy shine. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes—your kitchen will already smell like a dream!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the tray in and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden, the bottoms sound hollow, and the aroma is irresistible. Let your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun cool slightly—they’re best enjoyed warm, with cream cheese still a little melty and strawberries juicy inside.

How to Serve Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun

Garnishes

An extra flourish makes these buns truly special. Try topping each Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun with a fan of thinly sliced, fresh strawberries. A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds elegance but enhances the sweetness and presentation, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Side Dishes

For an unforgettable brunch or afternoon tea, serve your buns with a side of tart Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries. A glass of lightly sweetened milk tea, iced matcha, or berry-infused lemonade pairs wonderfully—balancing the richness of the bun and filling with a hint of refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dazzle, stack your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Buns on a cake stand or rustic wooden board. For each guest, tie a little ribbon or twine around parchment-wrapped buns. Or set up a DIY “bun bar” with bowls of extra sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a decadent, interactive dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge—just let them come to room temperature or gently reheat before serving to bring back their bakery-fresh aroma and texture.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the buns to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to one month. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before gently reheating as desired.

Reheating

To recapture that oven-fresh magic, warm your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or just long enough to heat through without drying the bread or melting the filling. If you’re in a hurry, a short zap in the microwave will also do the trick—just 10–15 seconds is usually enough.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in the filling?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain them well before chopping, as any excess moisture can make the filling runny. The flavor will still shine, though fresh berries do give the filling an extra-bright taste and color.

How do I prevent the topping from sliding off during baking?

Be sure your topping rounds are chilled and only pressed gently onto the tops of the buns. Keeping the crust off the sides and scoring the pattern helps it “hug” the bun as it bakes, keeping that perfect pineapple bun look.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese if I want a lighter filling?

If you prefer, swap the cream cheese for whipped ricotta or a thick Greek yogurt. Both make delicious alternatives that complement strawberries beautifully, just keep the filling thick to prevent any leaks.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! Prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and assembling; it might need a little extra time to rise the second time, but the results will be just as fluffy.

What makes the crust a “pineapple” crust if there isn’t real pineapple?

Great question! The “pineapple” in a traditional pineapple bun refers to the golden, crisscrossed cookie topping that resembles a pineapple’s exterior—not its flavor. For Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun, it’s all about texture and looks!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like pulling a warm Strawberry and Cream Cheese Pineapple Bun from the oven and sharing it with people you love—or simply savoring one all to yourself! These buns combine classic Asian bakery charm with fresh, irresistible flavors that are sure to delight. Try them for your next brunch, snack, or dessert—you’ll find yourself proudly baking these again and again.

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