Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns Recipe

The aroma of fresh strawberries mingling with creamy cheesecake fills the kitchen, making your mouth water. These Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns promise a delightful experience that will tantalize your taste buds from the first bite.

Imagine biting into a soft bun that cradles luscious strawberry filling and velvety cheesecake. These treats are perfect for brunch or any gathering where you want to impress friends and family with your baking skills.

I once made these buns for a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “Vatrushka.” Everyone was raving about them!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it helps create those soft buns we all love.
• Active Dry Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh; it’s crucial for that fluffy rise in the dough.
• Milk: Warm milk provides moisture and helps activate the yeast; don’t forget to check its temperature!
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
• Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors in this lovely treat.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor; melting it adds moisture to the dough.
• Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries; their natural sweetness shines through in every bite.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for that creamy filling—no one likes lumpy cheesecake!
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth of flavor; always opt for natural over imitation if possible.
• Eggs: Eggs enrich the dough and contribute to its beautiful color; use room-temperature eggs for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy—this means your yeast is alive and ready. Gradually whisk in melted butter, eggs, and salt until mixed.

Add Flour: Slowly incorporate all-purpose flour until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth—about 8-10 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise until doubled in size.

Create the Filling: In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and chopped fresh strawberries until smooth. This creamy concoction is your secret weapon—it’s irresistible!

Shape the Buns: Punch down your risen dough on a floured surface. Divide into equal portions and roll each into circles about 4 inches wide. Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each round.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to rise again while you wait impatiently! Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Strong scents waft as they bake—your kitchen will become an aromatic haven!

Enjoy these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns still warm from the oven or let them cool before serving at your next gathering!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dough first, allowing it to rise while you mix the cheesecake filling. This ensures optimal timing for a warm, fresh batch.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile. You can also add lemon zest for an extra zing!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Baking these Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns always brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet scents, making every bite feel like a hug.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using in your buns.

How long do these buns stay fresh?

They remain fresh at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking.