Introduction to Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? When I think of comfort food, Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns instantly come to mind. These delightful treats are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a sweet hug for your taste buds! Perfect for a cozy brunch or a special dessert, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply indulge in a little self-care, these buns are the answer. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns
These Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns are a delightful combination of soft, fluffy bread and luscious cream. They’re not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to make! With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will impress anyone. Plus, the fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Who wouldn’t love that?
Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these heavenly Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your buns, giving them that soft, fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Instant yeast: This little powerhouse helps the dough rise quickly, making the process a breeze.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, ensuring your buns are anything but bland.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture, creating a tender crumb.
- Eggs: They enrich the dough, contributing to its richness and color.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter brings a lovely richness and flavor to the buns.
- Egg (for egg wash): Gives the buns a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Mascarpone cheese: This creamy delight is the star of the filling, providing a rich, smooth texture.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to perfection, it lightens the mascarpone for a fluffy filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream filling without the graininess of granulated sugar.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a warm, inviting flavor to the cream.
- Fresh strawberries: The juicy, sweet fruit that brings a burst of freshness to each bite.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A light sprinkle on top makes these buns look as good as they taste.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns. Each step is simple, and I promise, the end result will be worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This mixture is the foundation of your buns. Next, gently warm the milk until it’s just warm to the touch, then add it to the dry ingredients along with the eggs. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. It’s like a cozy blanket for your future buns!
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Now comes the fun part—kneading! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back after you poke it gently. This step is crucial for developing that soft, fluffy texture we all love in Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! You’ll see the dough puff up, and the anticipation will build as you imagine those delicious buns.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into six equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. They’ll grow even bigger, ready to be baked!
Step 5: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Before baking, brush the tops of the buns with an egg wash for that beautiful golden color. Bake them for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell heavenly. Your kitchen will feel like a bakery, and trust me, you won’t be able to resist sneaking a peek!
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Filling
While the buns are baking, it’s time to whip up the cream filling. In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. This fluffy filling is what dreams are made of!
Step 7: Assemble the Buns
Once the buns have cooled completely, it’s time to fill them. Carefully slice each bun in half, leaving a hinge. Using a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, pipe a generous amount of the cream filling inside. Then, layer in the sliced strawberries for that fresh burst of flavor. Close the buns gently and dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chill your heavy cream before whipping for the best volume and texture.
- Use fresh strawberries for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t rush the rising process; it’s key to fluffy buns.
- Experiment with different fillings, like lemon curd or chocolate, for variety!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients; any bowl will do!
- Whisk: For mixing the cream; a fork works in a pinch.
- Rolling pin: Not needed here, but handy for other baking adventures!
- Piping bag: Essential for filling; a zip-top bag with a corner cut works too.
- Baking tray: A simple sheet pan will suffice for baking your buns.
Variations
- Chocolate Hazelnut Filling: Swap the mascarpone for chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent twist.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and a vegan cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Mixed Berries: Replace strawberries with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a berry medley.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cream filling for a refreshing citrus kick.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios into the cream for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- For a beautiful presentation, arrange the buns on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh strawberries.
FAQs about Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns
Can I make Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh buns without the morning rush!
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese works well too! It adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries. Just make sure to soften it before mixing for a smooth filling.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just thaw and fill with cream and strawberries when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your buns.
What’s the best way to serve these buns?
These Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns shine when served fresh! Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert. They’re perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon treat!
Final Thoughts
Making Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns is more than just baking; it’s an experience filled with joy and creativity. The moment you pull those golden, fluffy buns from the oven, your heart swells with pride. Each bite, with its creamy filling and fresh strawberries, is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, these buns bring a touch of sweetness to any day. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let the delightful aroma fill your kitchen. You won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Cream Brioche Buns: A Sweet Delight!
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and fluffy brioche buns filled with a light mascarpone cream and fresh strawberries, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 300 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 50 g (¼ cup) sugar
- 7 g (2 tsp) instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- 120 ml (½ cup) warm milk
- 2 medium eggs (room temperature)
- 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 250 g (1 cup) mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese for a tangy version)
- 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream (chilled)
- 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12–15 fresh strawberries (hulled & sliced)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk and eggs, then mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Gradually add softened butter, kneading until incorporated.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours (until doubled).
- Divide dough into 6 balls, place on a baking tray, cover, and rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let buns cool completely.
- In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, fluffy filling.
- Transfer to a piping bag with a star nozzle.
- Slice each brioche bun in half (not fully, leave a hinge).
- Pipe a generous amount of cream inside.
- Add sliced strawberries evenly between the cream layers.
- Close gently and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy incorporation into the dough.
- Chill the heavy cream for better whipping results.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
