Fluffy Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Soft, pillowy strawberry cheesecake vatrushka buns dance with sweet nostalgia from Eastern European kitchens.

Pastry chefs have long cherished these delicate delights.

Russian bakers craft each bun with careful precision and love.

Creamy cheese fillings nestle inside tender dough, promising pure comfort.

Sweet strawberries add vibrant bursts of color and flavor.

Delicate yet indulgent, these buns invite you to savor every delightful bite.

We promise this recipe will become your new weekend baking adventure.

Baking Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns Like a Pro

• These strawberry cheesecake vatrushka buns are incredibly simple to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Bursting with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries, these buns are guaranteed to wow family and friends at brunches, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Enjoy these buns as a decadent breakfast, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that combines the comfort of soft bread with the luxury of cheesecake and fresh fruit.
• With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these buns offer a delightful homemade treat that can be whipped up with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vatrushka Buns

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the buns.
• Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and creates a soft, tender dough.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and moisture to the dough.
• Egg: Provides binding and helps create a soft, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the filling.
• Strawberries: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• Powdered Sugar, Salt, Egg Yolk: Provide additional flavor, seasoning, and binding for the buns.

Step-by-Step Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Magical Dough

Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl.

Allow the mixture to bloom for several minutes.

• Melted butter
• Egg
• Salt

Work flour into the ingredients gradually, kneading until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Continue massaging the dough for 8-10 minutes until silky smooth.

Cover and let the dough rest and rise for one full hour.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes velvety and completely smooth.

Step 3: Shape Dreamy Buns

Divide the risen dough into 10-12 equal portions.

Flatten each piece into a delicate disc, creating a gentle center indentation.

Arrange the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble Flavor Pockets

Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling into each bun’s center.

Scatter fresh diced strawberries on top.

Allow the buns to rise for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the buns transform into a beautiful golden brown.

Remove and let cool briefly.

Dust with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Soft, Creamy Cheesecake Buns

• Ensure a warm, draft-free spot for dough to rise perfectly, like near a preheated oven or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
• Place baking sheet on the middle oven rack and avoid overfilling the center indentation to keep buns crisp and golden.
• Choose ripe, firm strawberries and dice them small to distribute flavor evenly without making the filling too watery.
• Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
• Dust sugar just before serving to maintain its delicate, snowy appearance and prevent absorption into the warm buns.

How to Store and Warm Up Vatrushka Buns

• Seal cooled buns in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen buns at room temperature, then warm in a preheated 325F oven for 8-10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed buns for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check to avoid overheating, which can make the texture tough.

Ideal Pairings for Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

• Perfectly Paired Wine Companion: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Moscato d'Asti to complement the strawberry cheesecake buns, enhancing the dessert's fruity and creamy notes with its light, effervescent character.
• Harmonizing Beverage Choice: Brew a delicate chamomile tea that softens the richness of the cheesecake filling, providing a soothing counterpoint to the sweet strawberries and creating a balanced flavor experience.
• Contrasting Flavor Enhancer: Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato, which adds a cool, smooth texture that cuts through the buns' richness and amplifies the dessert's creamy elements.
• Sweet Sidekick Suggestion: Prepare a light lemon sorbet to brighten the overall taste profile, offering a refreshing citrus note that balances the sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese filling.

Creative Twists on Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Buns: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Berry Cream Cheese Vatrushka: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut cream cheese, plant-based milk, and egg replacer. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Strawberry Cream Buns: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Choose fresh strawberries and reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Fruit Vatrushka: Use cashew cream cheese, almond milk, and coconut butter. Top with mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries for added variety and nutrition.

FAQs

• What is a Vatrushka Bun?

A traditional Eastern European pastry with a sweet cheese filling, originating in Russia and Ukraine. It’s a round, open-faced bun with a distinctive indented center filled with soft cheese.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy. Pat the strawberries dry with paper towels before adding to the buns.

• How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and feel soft and puffy when gently pressed. If it springs back slowly after being touched, it’s ready for the next step.

• What if my dough isn't rising?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. The milk should be warm (not hot) and the environment draft-free and slightly warm. A temperature around 75-80°F is ideal for yeast activation.

Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Strawberry cheesecake vatrushka buns merge Russian pastry tradition with creamy dessert indulgence. Pillowy dough embraces luscious cream cheese and fresh strawberry filling, inviting you to savor a delightful cross-cultural culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Flour and Yeast:

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

Liquids and Fats:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• Pinch of salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 tablespoon (8 grams) powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5 minutes until frothy and aromatic.
2. Incorporate melted butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually fold in flour, kneading the dough thoroughly for 810 minutes until achieving a silky, elastic consistency.
3. Transfer the dough to a warm environment, covering it completely. Let the dough rise and expand for approximately 1 hour until doubled in volume.
4. Craft the creamy filling by whisking cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until achieving a velvety smooth texture. Set aside at room temperature.
5. Portion the risen dough into 1012 uniform spheres. Gently flatten each ball into a delicate disc, creating a gentle central depression using fingertips.
6. Arrange the shaped dough discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each bun.
7. Delicately spoon the prepared cream cheese mixture into the center of each bun. Garnish with freshly diced strawberries, distributing them evenly.
8. Allow the filled buns to undergo a secondary rise for 20 minutes, becoming slightly puffy and relaxed.
9. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the vatrushka buns for 1820 minutes until they transform into a gorgeous golden-brown hue.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool momentarily. Dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar before serving these delectable treats.

Notes

• Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast and disrupting dough rising.
• Add flour gradually while kneading to control dough consistency and prevent a dry or sticky texture.
• Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area like inside a turned-off oven with the light on for optimal proofing.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free filling that blends easily.
• Dice strawberries small to distribute evenly and prevent excess moisture in the buns.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Reduce sugar in filling for a less sweet version or for diabetic-friendly adaptation.
• Brush buns with egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden-brown exterior.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg