Forget the bakery line—indulge in the heavenly delight of homemade glazed raspberry cheesecake swirl buns! This recipe delivers the perfect balance of soft, fluffy brioche dough, tangy cheesecake filling, and sweet raspberry swirl, all topped with a luscious glaze. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to recreate this bakery-worthy treat in your own kitchen.
What Makes These Buns So Special?
These aren't your average cinnamon rolls. We're elevating the classic with a sophisticated twist: a creamy cheesecake swirl infused with the vibrant tartness of raspberries. The brioche dough provides an incredibly soft and rich texture, while the sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. This recipe combines the best of several worlds: the comforting familiarity of a warm bun, the indulgence of cheesecake, and the bright freshness of raspberries.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is broken down into three main components: the brioche dough, the raspberry cheesecake filling, and the glaze. Precise measurements are crucial for bakery-quality results, so be sure to measure accurately.
For the Brioche Dough:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Raspberry Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) raspberry puree (fresh or frozen)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Creating these delightful buns involves several steps, but don't be intimidated! Each step is clearly explained to ensure a successful baking experience.
1. Making the Brioche Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. A stand mixer with a dough hook can also be used.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Preparing the Raspberry Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the raspberry puree until evenly distributed.
3. Assembling and Baking the Buns:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the raspberry cheesecake filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the buns in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Making and Applying the Glaze:
- While the buns are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the buns are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of these buns greatly depends on the quality of your ingredients. Fresh raspberries and good quality cream cheese will make a noticeable difference.
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in tough buns.
- Let the dough rise properly: Proper rising time is essential for soft and fluffy buns.
- Don't overcrowd the baking pan: Give the buns enough space to rise during the second proofing.
Serving Suggestions:
These glazed raspberry cheesecake swirl buns are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a complete indulgence.
Conclusion:
Making these glazed raspberry cheesecake swirl buns might seem like a daunting task, but the result is well worth the effort. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a bakery-style treat that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!