These Wild Blueberry Cheesecake Buns are a delicious fusion of soft, fluffy buns and tangy cheesecake filling, topped with juicy wild blueberries and a buttery streusel. Each bun is an indulgent treat, offering a perfect balance of sweetness from the sugar, richness from the cream cheese, and a bright, fresh note from the lemon zest and blueberries. These buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a delightful dessert. The aroma of freshly baked bread, mixed with the sweet scent of blueberries and vanilla, will make your kitchen smell like a bakery!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with these buns because they’re a fun twist on traditional sweet rolls, combining the softness of yeast-raised dough with the creamy tang of cheesecake. The addition of wild blueberries adds a burst of juicy freshness in every bite, while the streusel topping provides a satisfying crunch. The dough itself is soft and airy, thanks to the long kneading process, and the cream cheese filling brings a smooth, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the blueberries. These buns are as fun to make as they are to eat, making them perfect for a weekend baking project.
The Perfect Occasion for These Buns
These Wild Blueberry Cheesecake Buns are ideal for any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. Serve them at a brunch gathering, as a delicious weekend breakfast, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. Their light, fruity flavor makes them perfect for spring and summer gatherings, but they’re just as wonderful year-round. They’re also a great option for holiday breakfasts, baby showers, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for someone special. Whether you’re making them for yourself or to share, these buns are sure to impress.
Decoration Tips
To make these buns even more enticing, you can sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top just before serving for a touch of elegance. You can also drizzle a light lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled buns for an added layer of sweetness and tang. If you want to add more texture, consider scattering a few chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, into the streusel topping before baking. These small touches will give your buns a bakery-worthy finish that looks just as good as they taste.
Ingredients:
For the Buns:
- 160g water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 90g sugar (divided, 20g for yeast mixture)
- 2 eggs
- 450g flour
- 40g soft butter
For the Filling:
- 110g softened cream cheese (1/2 block)
- 100g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1/2 large lemon or 1 small lemon
- Frozen wild blueberries (for topping)
For the Streusel:
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 15g cold butter (grated or cubed)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and 20g of the total sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy and the yeast is activated.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the remaining sugar, flour, eggs, and soft butter. Mix well, then knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has tripled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a cup or your fingers, press a small divot in the center of each bun to create a space for the filling.
- Second Rise: Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you prepare the filling and streusel.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold, grated or cubed butter, and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Buns: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Brush the tops of the risen buns with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + splash of water). Spoon the cream cheese filling into the center divot of each bun. Top with a handful of frozen wild blueberries. Sprinkle the streusel topping over each bun.
- Bake: Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the buns cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze for an extra touch.
Enjoy these Wild Blueberry Cheesecake Buns fresh out of the oven for a delightful, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any time of day!