Italian Cream Buns Recipe

If you have a soft spot for sweet, tender baked treats filled with luscious cream, then you will absolutely adore this Italian Cream Buns Recipe. These buns boast a delightfully fluffy texture accented by the subtle crunch of shredded coconut and nuts, all wrapped around an irresistibly creamy mascarpone filling. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and an inviting aroma that makes them the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or dessert. Whether you are serving them for a cozy brunch or an afternoon tea, these Italian cream buns are bound to bring smiles to everyone gathered around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Italian Cream Buns Recipe is simple yet crucial, coming together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. From the warm milk that activates the yeast to the sweet shredded coconut and creamy mascarpone, each element plays its part in making these buns truly unforgettable.

• Warm milk (1 cup): The perfect temperature jumpstarts the yeast, ensuring a light and fluffy dough.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic behind the rise and softness of the buns.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups plus more): The essential base providing structure and tenderness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Large egg (1): Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened): Contributes to the moist crumb and buttery aroma.
• Sweetened shredded coconut (½ cup): Imparts a tropical nuance and chewy texture to the buns.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Heavy cream (½ cup): Whipped to create the light and airy cream filling.
• Mascarpone or cream cheese (½ cup, softened): Provides creamy richness for the filling.
• Powdered sugar (¼ cup, plus extra for dusting): Sweetens the filling and finishes the buns with a delicate dusting.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses the filling with inviting warmth.
• Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Brushed on hot buns to add shine and flavor.

How to Make Italian Cream Buns Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the surface becomes foamy. This signals that the yeast is active and ready to bring your dough to life.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the remaining sugar, flour, salt, egg, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. This dough will be a little sticky at first but will come together beautifully as you knead.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer, use a dough hook on medium speed for 5 to 6 minutes. This step develops the gluten structure, which is key for those pillowy buns.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Keep it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rise time allows the flavors to develop while creating a light texture.

Step 5: Incorporate Coconut and Nuts

Punch down the dough gently to release air, then fold in the shredded coconut and nuts if you’re using them. These ingredients add wonderful texture and a touch of sweetness that makes this Italian Cream Buns Recipe so special.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Place the balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them again, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures buns that are fluffy and perfectly puffed.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18 to 20 minutes until their tops turn a tempting golden brown. Right after baking, brush the tops generously with melted butter for that irresistible sheen and flavor.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Filling

While the buns cool completely, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat together mascarpone (or cream cheese), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture, creating a luscious, airy filling.

Step 9: Assemble the Buns

Slice each cooled bun horizontally, fill them with a spoonful of the cream filling, and finish off with a light dusting of powdered sugar. These filled delights are now ready to share, delight, and swoon over.

How to Serve Italian Cream Buns Recipe

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a bit of toasted shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts on top of the cream filling before closing the buns. A slight drizzle of honey or a dusting of cinnamon adds a charming twist that everyone will appreciate.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet Italian cream buns with a freshly brewed espresso or a cup of creamy cappuccino for a classic Italian café experience. They also harmonize beautifully with fresh berries or a small bowl of fruit salad, enhancing the balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Italian Cream Buns Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a cozy vibe, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to bring a bakery-chic look to your table. You might even wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine as charming portable treats for picnics or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness. Store the cream filling separately in the refrigerator and fill the buns just before serving to preserve that fresh, creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these Italian cream buns later, freeze the plain baked buns individually in freezer bags for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw them completely, then prepare and add the cream filling fresh for best results.

Reheating

To warm frozen or stored buns, wrap them loosely in foil and heat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery. Once warmed, fill them with cream and serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans or walnuts?

Absolutely! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios would work wonderfully and add their own unique crunch and flavor to the Italian Cream Buns Recipe.

Is it necessary to use mascarpone cheese in the cream filling?

While mascarpone adds a luxurious creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese for a slightly tangier taste without sacrificing texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This Italian Cream Buns Recipe relies on dairy for that rich taste, but you could experiment with plant-based milks, vegan butter, and cream cheese alternatives. Just note the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How long should I let the dough rise if my kitchen is cold?

If your kitchen is cooler, it may take up to 2 hours for the dough to double. Find a warm spot like on top of a radiator or in a turned-off oven with the light on to help encourage rising.

Can I prepare the cream filling a day in advance?

Yes, you can make the filling up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before filling the buns to restore its fluffiness.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably comforting about biting into a soft bun filled with creamy sweetness, and this Italian Cream Buns Recipe hits that spot perfectly every time. With simple ingredients and heartwarming results, it’s a recipe worth making again and again, whether for your family, friends, or just as a special treat for yourself. Dive into the process, enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen, and savor every bite of these delightful Italian cream buns.

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