Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl Buns are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and fresh raspberries swirled into soft, sweet buns. They are a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch table, combining rich flavors with a touch of tartness. This recipe will guide you through creating these delicious treats that are sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Growing up, my grandmother would often bake these delightful buns on Sundays. The kitchen would be filled with an irresistible aroma that always made us congregate eagerly around the table. Her special touch was adding a hint of lemon zest to the dough, which perfectly complemented the raspberries’ sharpness. Whenever I bake these buns now, it brings back fond memories and a sense of warmth and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl Buns stand out because they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Their soft, fluffy texture is contrasted beautifully with a creamy cheesecake filling and vibrant raspberry swirl. Moreover, they are versatile enough to be served as a breakfast treat, a brunch centerpiece, or a delightful afternoon snack. Simple yet refined, these buns are perfect for both casual get-togethers and special occasions.
Ingredients Notes
To make these buns extraordinary, opt for fresh, ripe raspberries for the best flavor. If fresh raspberries are unavailable, frozen ones can be an excellent substitute, just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly. For the cheesecake filling, full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture, but low-fat versions can be used for a lighter option. The dough benefits from the light zestiness of lemon, so be sure not to omit the lemon zest in the recipe.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Prepare the dough by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, butter, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, kneading until a soft dough forms. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Step 2
While the dough is rising, mix the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth to create the cheesecake filling. Ensure the raspberries are ready by either lightly mashing them or slicing them in half if they are especially large.
Step 3
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, then distribute the raspberries on top. Gently roll the dough from one long side to the other, creating a swirl log.
Step 4
Slice the roll into even sections and place them in a greased baking dish. Allow the buns to rise once more until they have noticeably puffed up. Preheat your oven while they rise to get an even baking temperature.
Step 5
Bake the buns in a preheated oven until golden brown. Once baked, you can optionally drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over them for added sweetness and shine.
Storage Options
To store leftovers, place the buns in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the buns individually wrapped in plastic and then aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw naturally and warm them up in a preheated oven to retain their soft texture.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different berries like blueberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile. For a more indulgent twist, add a handful of dark chocolate chips to the filling. To cater to dietary preferences, a vegan cream cheese substitute can be used for a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions
These buns are best served warm, either on their own or with a light spread of butter. They make an excellent addition to a brunch buffet, paired with a fruit salad and a hot cup of coffee. For a special treat, serve them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these buns ahead of time? Prepare and roll the buns as instructed but instead of allowing for a second rise, cover them tightly and place them in the fridge overnight. The next day, remove them from the fridge, let them complete the second rise, and bake as directed. This can save time on busy mornings.
Can I add nuts to this recipe? Absolutely! Adding finely chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds can provide a delightful crunch to the texture of these buns. Simply sprinkle the nuts over the raspberry filling before rolling up the dough.
What glaze can I add to the buns? A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can be drizzled over the buns to complement the raspberry flavor. For a more decadent finish, consider a cream cheese-based glaze or a simple vanilla icing.
Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl Buns
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 and 1/4 teaspoons)
- 0.5 cup milk warmed
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup raspberry jam
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- While dough is rising, mix cream cheese with vanilla.
- Roll out dough, spread with cream cheese mixture and then raspberry jam.
- Roll up the dough and cut into 12 buns. Place on a baking tray.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden.
