Lemon Cheesecake Brioche Buns: A Perfectly Soft and Zesty Treat

These Lemon Cheesecake Brioche Buns are a delightful combination of soft, pillowy brioche dough and a creamy, zesty lemon cheesecake filling. Each bun is topped with a dollop of lemon curd, adding a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the rich cream cheese. These buns are perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. They bring together the rich texture of brioche with the fresh, vibrant taste of lemon, creating a treat that is both indulgent and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brioche buns are incredibly light and fluffy, making them the perfect base for the rich cream cheese and lemon filling. The lemon curd adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness of the buns, while the cream cheese filling brings a smooth, creamy texture. The combination of soft dough and rich filling is irresistible, and the process of making these buns is rewarding as you watch the dough rise and transform. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll love how these buns come together.

Perfect Occasion

Lemon Cheesecake Brioche Buns are perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat. They are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special afternoon tea. These buns also make a beautiful dessert, served warm from the oven or at room temperature. Their elegant appearance and delicious flavor make them a great choice for gatherings, family get-togethers, or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself.

Decoration Tips

For an extra decorative touch, dust the buns with a light coating of powdered sugar after they’ve cooled. You can also drizzle additional lemon curd over the tops for added flavor and visual appeal. If you want to make them even more indulgent, serve the buns with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. These little touches will elevate the presentation and flavor, making the buns look as good as they taste.

Ingredients:

For the Buns:

• 160g warm water
• 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
• 90g sugar (reserve 20g for the yeast mixture)
• 2 large eggs
• 450g all-purpose flour
• 40g softened butter

For the Filling:

• 110g softened cream cheese
• 100g powdered sugar
• Juice and zest of 1/2 large lemon or 1 small lemon

For the Topping:

• Lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of milk)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, 1 tablespoon of yeast, and 20g of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbles form on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, the remaining sugar, flour, eggs, and softened butter. Knead the dough on low speed (or by hand) for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
   Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it triples in size.
4. Shape the Buns:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Place the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the bottom of a cup or your fingers to press a small divot into the center of each bun, creating space for the filling.
5. Second Rise:
   Cover the buns and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
6. Prepare the Filling:
   While the buns are rising, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble the Buns:
   Once the buns have finished their second rise, spoon the cream cheese filling into the center of each bun. Top the cream cheese filling with a dollop of lemon curd. Brush the edges of the buns with an egg wash to give them a golden finish when baked.
8. Bake the Buns:
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and the filling is set. Start checking on them around 25 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.
9. Cool and Serve:
   Once the buns are baked, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

These Lemon Cheesecake Brioche Buns are the perfect combination of soft, buttery brioche and tangy lemon filling. Serve them warm for a sweet, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion!