Baking Therapy 🍓 Strawberry Brioche Cheesecake Bun
Recipe below 👇
Brioche Dough
• 390 g plain flour
• 210 ml warm milk
• 11 g instant yeast
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (to activate yeast)
• 75 g granulated sugar
• 1 medium egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 70 g unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ tsp salt
Strawberry Filling
• 2 cups strawberries, diced
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup water
Cream Cheese Filling
• 200 g cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
• 60 g cold unsalted butter, diced
• 55 g plain flour
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Method
1. Activate Yeast – Stir yeast + 1 tsp sugar into warm milk. Rest 5–10 mins until foamy.
2. Make Dough – Mix in egg, vanilla, 75 g sugar, and salt. Add flour, knead until combined. Knead in softened butter until smooth & elastic (10–12 mins). Cover and proof 1–1.5 hrs until doubled.
3. Prepare Strawberry Filling – Simmer strawberries, sugar, and water until thickened (8–10 mins). Cool completely.
4. Cream Cheese Filling – Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Chill.
5. Crumble Topping – Rub cold butter into flour + sugars + cinnamon until crumbly. Chill.
6. Assemble Buns – Divide dough into 75 g portions. Flatten, make a deep indent. Fill with cream cheese, then strawberry mixture. Sprinkle with crumble topping.
7. Final Proof – Cover and let rise 30–45 mins until puffy.
8. Bake – Bake at 175°C / 350°F for 18–22 mins until golden.
Baking therapy can be a wonderful way to lift your spirits after a tough day, and this Strawberry Brioche Cheesecake Bun recipe is a perfect example of how baking can soothe the soul. When you engage in the process of mixing, kneading, and assembling these delightful buns, you not only create a delicious treat but also give yourself a mindful break from daily stresses. The combination of brioche dough with creamy cheesecake filling and the natural sweetness of strawberries makes these buns uniquely comforting. Brioche dough is enriched with butter and eggs, which results in its characteristic soft, tender texture and rich flavor. The activation of yeast is a pivotal step; ensuring the yeast is foamy confirms its vigor for good rise during proofing. Simmering the strawberry filling gently thickens the fresh fruit with sugar, balancing sweetness and tartness, while the cream cheese filling adds smooth richness enhanced by vanilla's aromatics. The crumble topping, with cold butter, cinnamon, and sugars, provides a delightful crunchy contrast after baking. For those new to baking brioche, plan at least 3 hours including dough proofing and baking to enjoy the full experience and optimal results. Don't rush the proofing stages since they are critical to achieving soft and airy buns. Using high-quality fresh strawberries and full-fat cream cheese elevates the flavor and texture. Additionally, feel free to experiment by adding a splash of lemon zest into the strawberry filling to brighten it up or a pinch of nutmeg in the crumble for warmth. Remember, baking isn't just about following a recipe precisely; it is also about creating comfort and joy. So, whether you’re baking alone or sharing with family, these strawberry brioche cheesecake buns serve as a little cure for rough days, delivering both satisfaction and deliciousness. Happy baking and savor every rewarding bite!