Strawberry Cheesecake Honey Bun Recipe

18

When it comes to desserts, there’s something magical about combining beloved classics into one irresistible treat. Imagine the soft sweetness of a honey bun meeting the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all topped with the fruity freshness of strawberries. That’s right— I’m sharing the ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Honey Bun recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How to make Strawberry Cheesecake Honey Bun

A Strawberry Cheesecake Honey Bun is a sweet pastry made from a soft, honey-sweetened bun or roll that is filled or topped with strawberry flavor and a creamy cheesecake-style filling, then usually finished with a sugary glaze.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 6 pre-packaged honey buns (you can also use homemade if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish (optional):

• Whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries

Instructions

Base Preparation:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Honey Buns: Cut the honey buns into halves and arrange them evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You may need to trim them slightly to fit.
3. Butter and Cinnamon: Mix the melted butter with the ground cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the honey buns, ensuring they’re well coated.

Cheesecake Layer:

1. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
2. Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then mix in the vanilla extract and flour until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Pour Over Base: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared honey bun base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Strawberry Topping:

1. Prepare Strawberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and start to simmer.
2. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering strawberry sauce, cooking until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Top the Cheesecake: Pour the thickened strawberry sauce over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly.

Baking:

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set, but still slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Cool: Allow the dessert to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled.
3. Garnish and Serve: Once chilled, slice the Strawberry Cheesecake Honey Bun into squares. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries if desired.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest cheesecake texture.
• Strawberry Variations: Feel free to substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones if fresh ones are unavailable, just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid.
• Presentation: For an extra fancy presentation, add a mint leaf or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an added flavor twist.
• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for maximum freshness.

What to serve with

The Strawberry Cheesecake Honey Bun is a decadent and flavorful dessert on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further.

1. Fresh Fruits: Serve a side of fresh berries like sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Their natural tanginess adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the dessert.

2. Whipped Cream: You can never go wrong with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. It’s airy, creamy, and pairs beautifully with the cheesecake and honey bun layers.

3. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean or strawberry ice cream makes for a heavenly pairing. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the rich dessert.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Strawberry Cheesecake Honey Bun recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be adjusted using a variety of substitutes, whether you’re aiming for a healthier version, catering to dietary restrictions, or just experimenting with flavors.

For the Honey Bun Base

Original Ingredient: Pre-packaged honey buns

Substitute 1: Homemade Honey Buns

If you want complete control over the ingredients, you can make your own honey buns from scratch. For a shortcut, use a sweet brioche bread or cinnamon rolls as a similar alternative.

Substitute 2: Store-Bought Brioche or Croissants

A rich, store-bought brioche or flaky croissant can serve as an excellent stand-in. Slice them and layer as you would the honey buns.

Substitute 3: Gluten-Free Buns or Bread

For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free sweet bread, such as a gluten-free cinnamon roll or brioche-like bread. Ensure it’s soft and slightly sweet for the best texture.

For the Melted Butter

Original Ingredient: Unsalted butter

Substitute 1: Vegan Butter or Margarine

Use a plant-based butter for a vegan or dairy-free version.

Substitute 2: Coconut Oil

Melted coconut oil works just as well, adding a mild coconut flavor.

Substitute 3: Olive Oil

Light olive oil is a great alternative if you’re looking for a healthier fat, but use it sparingly as it has a stronger flavor.

For the Ground Cinnamon

Original Ingredient: Ground cinnamon

Substitute 1: Pumpkin Spice

This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves will add seasonal warmth to the dish.

Substitute 2: Nutmeg or Cardamom

If you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom can provide similar warmth.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cream Cheese

Original Ingredient: 16 oz cream cheese

Substitute 1: Low-Fat or Neufchâtel Cheese

Swap cream cheese with a low-fat alternative for a lighter version.

Substitute 2: Greek Yogurt or Yogurt Cheese

Strained Greek yogurt (or labneh) can serve as a tangy and healthier replacement.

Substitute 3: Vegan Cream Cheese

For a dairy-free recipe, use plant-based cream cheese made from almond or cashew.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Honey Bun, a dessert that perfectly balances the comforts of home with a touch of elegance!