End-of-Summer Strawberry Fruit Buns: A Sweet Farewell to the Season

By Naava's Nourishing Garden

As the summer sun begins to soften and the cooler breeze whispers the arrival of fall, there’s something deeply comforting about indulging in a warm, sticky, and utterly delightful fruit bun. But we’re not going for the traditional – we’re elevating the moment with sweet strawberry preserves and a velvety cream cheese topping. These strawberry fruit buns will fill your kitchen with the most irresistible scent, making the transition from summer to autumn feel like a warm hug.

Let’s make the end of summer sweeter with this indulgent recipe straight from Naava’s Nourishing Garden, where we bring nourishment and nature into every bite. Grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Ingredients

To Bloom the Yeast:

• ¾ cup warm water

• 3 tbsp powdered milk

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Dough:

• 4 tablespoons sugar

• 1 medium egg, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract/essence

• 450g (about 4 cups) bread flour

• 4 tbsp room temperature butter (soft, not melted) I use 8tbsp but 4 works

• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup strawberry preserves/jam (I use my homemade preserves, but store-bought works just as well!)

For the Topping:

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 4 tbsp butter, room temperature

• Powdered sugar, to taste

• Lemon extract

• 1-2 tablespoons coconut milk or milk of choice

• 1-2 tbsp strawberry preserves/jam

• ½ cup (or more) heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Bloom the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, powdered milk, instant yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast blooms and becomes foamy. This is the foundation of those fluffy buns!

2. Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bloomed yeast mixture with the remaining dough ingredients – sugar, egg, vanilla extract, bread flour, butter, and salt. Knead for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This time will vary depending on how you create your dough by hand or a mixer. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. (I like to use to proof setting on my oven do what works for you)

3. Roll Out & Add the Filling:

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Spread your strawberry preserves generously over the dough, making sure to cover all the way to the edges.

4. Roll & Chill:

Gently roll the dough into a log. Place the log in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up. This step helps ensure clean slices when cutting the buns.

5. Slice the Rolls:

Using thread or floss (or a sharp knife), slice the log into even-sized buns. You can decide how thick you want them – mine always vary! Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, pour a bit of heavy whipping cream over the buns to add extra moisture and richness while they rise.

6. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (adjust for your elevation if needed). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and irresistible.

7. Prepare the Topping:

While the buns bake, whip together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon extract, coconut milk, and strawberry preserves for the topping. You can make it as thick or as thin as you like. Taste as you go, adjusting the sweetness to your preference!

8. Finish & Serve:

Once the buns are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before generously slathering them with the cream cheese topping. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve with a drizzle of more strawberry preserves or even a dusting of powdered sugar.

A Sweet Farewell

These strawberry fruit buns are the perfect blend of sweet summer flavors and the cozy comfort of fall. As you take your first bite, savor the sticky strawberry filling and the melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese glaze. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the change of seasons, bringing a little sunshine into your day no matter the weather outside.

Feel free to get creative with your own twist – maybe try a different jam or add some spices for extra warmth. And if you make these, I’d love to see how they turn out! Share your creation with #NaavasNourishingGarden for a chance to be featured.

Enjoy this end-of-summer treat, and here’s to all the warmth and coziness that fall brings!

#NaavasNourishingGarden #NaavasKitchen #StrawberryFruitBuns