Delightful Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns Recipe
The moment I pulled these Fluffy Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns out of the oven, the sweet aroma whisked me back to childhood—those lazy Sunday mornings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, surrounded by laughter and the promise of warm treats. Each golden bun is a soft cloud, filled with silky vanilla cream and bright strawberry jam, rubbing elbows with a buttery streusel topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether it’s for a relaxed brunch with friends or a surprise afternoon tea, these delightful morsels are a feast for the senses.
What’s even better? They are incredibly easy to make, transforming your kitchen into a cozy bakery without any fuss. With a nod to traditional German baking, this recipe captures the spirit of comfort food, and you can easily switch up the fillings to keep things exciting. So, let’s dive in and create a batch that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fills your home with warmth and nostalgia!
Why Love Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns?
Fluffy Texture: These buns are like biting into a soft cloud, making every bite an absolute delight.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have fresh, homemade goodness ready in no time.
Nostalgic Flavor: The sweet combination of vanilla cream and fruit jam brings back warm childhood memories.
Versatile Filling: Change it up! Substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or even chocolate for a creative twist.
Perfect for Any Occasions: Whether it’s a brunch, afternoon tea, or just a snack, these buns are sure to impress!
Experience warmth and comfort at home—maybe pair them with a cup of your favorite tea!
Ingredients for Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns
For the Dough
- Full-Fat Cow Milk – Provides moisture and richness; substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Dry Active Yeast – Essential for leavening the dough; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- White Sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough; use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the buns; no direct substitute recommended for fluffiness.
- Butter – Adds flavor and tenderness to the dough; replace with margarine for a dairy-free version.
For the Cream Filling
- Heavy Cream – Key for the creamy filling; coconut cream works as a non-dairy alternative.
- Cornstarch – Used for thickening the vanilla cream filling; flour can be a substitute, but texture may vary.
For the Jam Filling
- Strawberry Jam – Provides sweetness and fruity flavor; any berry jam is a great alternative for a different taste.
For the Streusel Topping
- Butter – Adds richness to the topping; softening it makes mixing easier.
- All-Purpose Flour – Works as the base for the crumble; ensure it’s fresh for best texture.
- Sugar – Sweetens the topping; feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
How to Make Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns
Prepare Dough: Warm the milk until it’s cozy but not boiling. Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast on top, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Combine with flour and softened butter, then knead until smooth and elastic, around 10 minutes. Let rise for 1-3 hours until it doubles in size.
Make Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of milk over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes velvety, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool before folding in your vanilla extract.
Assemble Buns: Gently roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into squares, adding a spoonful of vanilla cream and a dollop of strawberry jam to each square. Bring the edges together and pinch to seal, then place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Make Streusel Topping: In a bowl, mix softened butter, flour, and sugar using a fork or your fingers until crumbly—like wet sand. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over your assembled buns for that delightful crunch.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns
Fresh Yeast Matter: Always check your yeast for freshness. Using old yeast can lead to dense, flat buns—nobody wants that!
Perfect Filling: Be cautious not to overfill your buns. Too much cream or jam can spill out during baking. A spoonful is just right!
Rest the Dough: Allow the dough enough time to rise; this makes all the difference in achieving those fluffy vanilla cream & strawberry jam streusel buns.
Even Streusel: For a truly delightful crunch, ensure your streusel topping is evenly distributed over the buns before baking.
Cooling Time: Resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let the buns cool slightly to enhance their texture and flavor.
Serving Style: Make them extra special by serving warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an inviting presentation!
How to Store and Freeze Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns
Room Temperature: Keep the buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This preserves their fluffy texture and flavor perfectly.
Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if you want to extend freshness. Ensure they’re sealed to avoid absorbing other smells.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the buns in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm the buns in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy the delightful warmth of vanilla cream & strawberry jam streusel buns!
Variations & Substitutions for Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns
Feel free to personalize these delightful buns to create a flavor experience that speaks to your heart.
Dairy-Free: Substitute full-fat cow milk with almond milk and use coconut cream for a decadent filling.
Sugar Swap: Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that complements the jam beautifully.
Other Jams: Switch strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry for a fresh twist—each fruit brings its unique flavor burst!
Nutty Cream: Try almond cream as the filling for a delightful, nutty essence—it’s like bringing a piece of bakery heaven to your home.
Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Replace the vanilla cream with chocolate ganache for a rich and indulgent variation; who doesn’t love chocolate?
Citrus Zing: Add a hint of lemon or orange zest to the vanilla cream to brighten the flavor profile and make the filling sing!
Seasonal Spices: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the streusel topping for a warm, comforting hint that resonates with cozy autumn vibes.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the jam for an unexpected and delightful sweet-heat experience.
Let your creativity flow, and enjoy the process of making these buns your own!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough and let it rise up to 24 hours ahead; simply cover it and refrigerate once it has doubled in size. The vanilla cream filling can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, assemble the buns with the chilled filling and strawberry jam, top with streusel, and bake them fresh for about 30 minutes. This way, you’ll have warm, fluffy buns that are just as delicious as if they were made on the same day!
What to Serve with Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns?
Elevate your delicious buns into a full-fledged feast with these delightful pairings that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing counterbalance to the sweetness of the buns while providing a burst of color to your table.
Herbal Tea: Beautifully fragrant varieties like chamomile or mint create a cozy atmosphere, making for the perfect sip alongside your treats.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of softly whipped cream on the side enhances the creamy filling of the buns, taking indulgence to the next level.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with crunchy granola and berries for a textural contrast that complements the pillowy softness of the buns seamlessly.
Light Lemonade: A glass of zesty lemonade offers a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the buns, making each bite feel balanced and delightful.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can transform your buns into an even more decadent dessert, appealing to chocolate lovers and adding a touch of indulgence.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your buns for a nostalgic touch reminiscent of childhood desserts, creating a sweet harmony of flavors.
Café au Lait: This comforting drink brings together the rich taste of coffee and milk, a perfect pairing that enhances the golden, fluffy experience of your buns.
Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best strawberries for the jam?
Absolutely! Choose fresh, ripe strawberries that are firm and bright in color, avoiding any that are overly soft or have dark spots. For the best flavor, look for berries that are in season.
How should I store the leftover buns?
To keep your fluffy Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, just ensure they are well-sealed to keep the flavors intact.
Can I freeze these buns? If so, how?
Very! To freeze your Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the buns to an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough isn’t rising, don’t worry! Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk you used wasn’t too hot; it should be warm, but not boiling. If the dough still hasn’t doubled in size after the rising time, you might have to set it in a warmer location, like an oven preheated to the lowest setting, then turned off. Give it another hour or so.
Are these buns suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Absolutely! You can easily make your Vanilla Cream & Strawberry Jam Streusel Buns dairy-free by substituting full-fat cow milk with almond milk and heavy cream with coconut cream. Use margarine instead of butter in both the dough and streusel topping, and ensure that your jam is free of additives. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful treats!
Can I use different types of jam for the filling?
The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment by swapping the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or even a delicious apricot jam. Each variation will give your buns a unique twist while maintaining that fluffy, nostalgic essence. Enjoy mixing it up!
0 Comments