Strawberry Dream Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns

Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for something both comforting and a little bit fancy? Honestly, these Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns totally hit the spot.
These sweet treats combine the pillowy softness of Vatrushka Buns with the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake. They are also bursting with fresh strawberries, and what is not to love?
Discover the Charm of Strawberry Cheesecake Buns
These Russian Pastries are inspired by the traditional Vatrushka. It is a classic treat. While they have their roots in Eastern European baking, these Cheesecake Buns get a delicious upgrade with our Easy Strawberry Cheesecake filling.
This makes them feel both familiar and exciting. This is a recipe that blends cultures and flavors.
This recipe is fairly straightforward. If you're comfortable baking with yeast, you'll breeze through it. These Sweet Buns with Strawberries take about an hour and fifteen minutes to make, plus cooling time.
This makes 12 buns, perfect for sharing.
Why You'll Love These Strawberry Vatrushka Recipe
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Buns are more than just delicious. They offer a nice dose of calcium from the dairy and vitamins from the strawberries.
They are a real treat and a pretty one too. Serve them at your next brunch, potluck, or simply enjoy them.
They will make it a special occasion. They are so good!
What makes this Homemade Vatrushka recipe special? It's the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The slightly sweet bun, creamy cheesecake, and juicy strawberries create a symphony in your mouth.
And Baking with Yeast and Strawberries isn't as scary as it sounds, trust me! Now that we've whetted your appetite, let's get into the ingredients you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, let's talk ingredients for these amazing Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns. Honestly, baking should be fun. So, don't be intimidated! These Russian Pastries are easier than they look.
Main Players: Dough & Filling
First up, the dough. You'll need 1 cup (240ml) of lukewarm whole milk. It should be around 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) .
Use 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) of active dry yeast. A foamy yeast is happy yeast! Add ¼ cup (50g) of sugar, ½ teaspoon (3g) of salt, and 1 lightly beaten egg.
Then, 4 tablespoons (57g) of melted butter, cooled a bit. Finally, 3 cups (360g) of all-purpose flour. I like to use a good quality flour for a better rise.
For the Easy Strawberry Cheesecake filling, you need 8 ounces (227g) of softened cream cheese. Make sure it's really soft.
Blend it with ¼ cup (50g) of sugar. Then, add 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon (7g) of flour.
Simple, right?
Seasoning Sensations & Strawberry Magic
We're keeping it classic. A touch of vanilla elevates the filling. For the strawberries, 1 pound (454g) of fresh ones, sliced, is perfect.
Gently mix them with 2 tablespoons (25g) of sugar. Taste a strawberry! Adjust the sugar if they are very tart.
I find locally sourced strawberries give that Sweet Buns with Strawberries freshness.
Essential Gear
You'll need a stand mixer for kneading. But, your hands work too! Just allow extra kneading time. A large bowl is important for proofing.
Measuring cups and spoons are obvious. Grab a baking sheet and parchment paper. Parchment stops sticking! And lastly, a small bowl and pastry brush for egg wash.
Oh my gosh! That is all.
Let's Bake: Strawberry Dream Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns
Honestly, have you ever craved something seriously comforting? Something that just screams "treat yourself"? Well, buckle up buttercup, because these Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns are about to become your new obsession.
We're talking Russian Pastries gone wild, a delicious cross between a Cheesecake Bun and a rustic Homemade Vatrushka. It's like a warm hug in baking form.
These Easy Strawberry Cheesecake delights are not only delicious but also pretty as a picture. I first tasted these when I visited my friend in Moscow.
I fell in love! Think sweet dough filled with creamy cheesecake and juicy strawberries. You simply won't stop after eating one.
Trust me, you'll be a convert.
Prep Steps: Get Your Bake On!
Essential mise en place: First, get everything ready. Soften the cream cheese. Warm the milk. Slice those gorgeous strawberries. Basically, be a baking ninja.
Time saving organization tips: Measure out all your ingredients before you start. It's a game changer! Honestly, this makes everything run so much smoother.
Safety reminders: Keep an eye on that oven. You don't want a burnt offering. Also, wash your hands, yeah?
step-by-step: Vatrushka Buns Made Easy!
- Wake Up the Yeast: Mix the lukewarm milk (105- 115° F / 40- 46° C) , yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Wait 5- 10 minutes until it's foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add the rest of the sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, and flour. Knead for 5- 7 minutes if using a mixer.
- First Rise: Pop the dough in an oiled bowl. Let it rise for 1-1. 5 hours until doubled. This is where the magic happens.
- Cheesecake Dreamin': Mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg yolk, vanilla, and flour. Set aside this amazing Strawberry Cream Cheese Buns filling.
- Shape and Fill: Divide the dough, make a little indent in each bun, and fill it with the cheesecake mixture. Top with sugared strawberries. This is how you make Sweet Buns with Strawberries .
- Second Rise: Let the buns rise again for 30 minutes .
- Bake it, Baby: Brush with egg wash and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Look for that golden brown goodness!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Bake
Want to really impress? Add a little lemon zest to the cheesecake filling. It brightens everything up! Don't have strawberries? Use blueberries or raspberries instead.
So versatile! I know what I will bake for next Sunday breakfast!
Common mistake? Over proofing the dough. Keep an eye on it. Also, ensure to use fresh, good quality strawberries for maximum flavor.
Here it is. This Strawberry Vatrushka Recipe and these Russian Cheesecake Buns are simply delightful. Baking with yeast and strawberries is a bit of a labour of love, but oh-so worth it.
And you know what? They're even better fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea. Happy baking!
Recipe Notes for Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns
Okay, so you’re about to embark on making these incredible Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns . Let's dive into some super helpful notes! Honestly, these are the bits that can make or break your baking sesh.
And trust me, I’ve been there, done that, got the flour covered t-shirt!
Serving Suggestions: The Grand Finale
Let's talk about making these Cheesecake Buns look amazing . A little presentation goes a long way!
Plating and Presentation Ideas: Dust with a flurry of icing sugar. Arrange artfully on a platter. A sprig of mint adds that chef's kiss vibe.
Complementary Sides or Beverages: These Russian Pastries are incredible with a strong black coffee. Or, try a refreshing glass of iced tea.
I reckon a light dessert wine would be proper lush, too.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Right then, what if you have leftovers? Here’s the lowdown.
Refrigeration Guidelines: Store the Vatrushka Buns in an airtight container. They'll keep for up to 3 days.
Freezing Options (if applicable): You can freeze them. Wrap individually in cling film. Then, put in a freezer bag. They'll be good for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a moderate oven ( 350° F / 175° C ) for about 10 minutes. Or, microwave for a quick warm-up.
Variations: Mix It Up
Fancy a change? Course you do! I've got a couple of Easy Strawberry Cheesecake tweaks.
Dietary Adaptations: For a lighter version, use reduced fat cream cheese. Swap the sugar for a sweetener alternative.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: When strawberries are out of season, think raspberries. A Strawberry Vatrushka Recipe is flexible, innit?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Look, I'm no nutritionist. But here's a rough idea of what you're getting.
Simplified Nutrition Information: These Russian Cheesecake Buns are about 250-300 calories each.
Key Health Benefits: The cream cheese gives you some calcium. The strawberries are packed with Vitamin C! Remember, everything in moderation, yeah?
Baking these Strawberry Cream Cheese Buns is proper fun! Don't be scared to experiment. With these notes, you'll be whipping up these Homemade Vatrushka like a pro in no time.
These Sweet Buns with Strawberries are worth it. Now go, bake some joy! And don't forget to share your amazing Baking with Yeast and Strawberries creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My dough isn't rising! What did I do wrong?
Yeast can be a bit temperamental, a bit like a diva on "The X Factor"! First, ensure your milk wasn't too hot that can kill the yeast. It should be lukewarm, around 105-115°F (40-46°C). Also, check the expiration date on your yeast. If it's old, it might not be as active.
Finally, a cold kitchen can slow things down; try placing the dough in a warm spot to rise.
Can I use frozen strawberries for these Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns?
Fresh strawberries are best for these buns, as they hold their shape and flavor beautifully. However, if you only have frozen strawberries, you can use them. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid.
You might want to toss them with a little cornstarch to help thicken the juices and prevent the buns from becoming soggy bottoms, like something out of Bake Off's nightmares!
How do I store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns?
To keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, but the buns may become a bit drier.
A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle warming in the oven will freshen them up. You can freeze them for up to 2 months, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing, so best to eat fresh!
Can I make these Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep parts of this recipe in advance! You can make the dough a day ahead, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and then shape and bake the buns the next day. Alternatively, you can bake the buns completely and then freeze them (without the strawberries, add those before serving) for later.
This is handy if you're planning a brunch and want to spread out the work, like any good domestic goddess would!
Are there any variations I can try with this Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns recipe?
Absolutely! Get creative! Swap the strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. A little lemon zest in the cheesecake filling adds a lovely zing, or you could try using a different type of cheese, like mascarpone, for a richer filling.
For a bit of festive spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough it's all about making it your own signature bake!
What if I don’t have a stand mixer? Can I still make Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can definitely make the dough by hand. Just be prepared to put in a bit of elbow grease! Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Think of it as a workout for your arms that results in a delicious reward like a workout class that actually gives you cake afterwards!
Strawberry Dream Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |