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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the dough to a warm environment, covering it completely. Let the dough rise and expand for approximately 1 hour until doubled in volume.
- 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.
- Portion the risen dough into 1012 uniform spheres. Gently flatten each ball into a delicate disc, creating a gentle central depression using fingertips.
- Arrange the shaped dough discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each bun.
- Delicately spoon the prepared cream cheese mixture into the center of each bun. Garnish with freshly diced strawberries, distributing them evenly.
- Allow the filled buns to undergo a secondary rise for 20 minutes, becoming slightly puffy and relaxed.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the vatrushka buns for 1820 minutes until they transform into a gorgeous golden-brown hue.
- 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