Baked Cherry Buns Recipe – Easy Homemade Dessert
If you’re searching for a dessert that combines sweet cherries with soft, fluffy buns, then our Baked Cherry Buns recipe is perfect for you. This irresistible treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert for any occasion. In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make the perfect cherry buns, share useful tips, and give you insights on ingredients and preparation techniques to make your buns soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.
If you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly soft, fluffy bun filled with sweet, juicy cherries, you know the magic of a homemade baked treat. Our Baked Cherry Buns recipe takes this classic dessert to the next level, offering a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy a bakery-quality pastry right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast option, an impressive brunch addition, or a sweet dessert for family and friends, these cherry buns are the perfect choice. The golden-brown exterior, paired with a luscious cherry filling, creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for more.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. Even if you’re a beginner in baking, following our step-by-step instructions will help you achieve soft, fluffy buns with a perfectly sweet cherry filling every time. The combination of fresh or frozen cherries, a tender dough enriched with butter and eggs, and an optional sweet glaze makes these buns irresistible. Plus, they are customizable—add chocolate, nuts, or cream cheese to elevate the flavor even further.
Beyond the taste, baking cherry buns at home is a rewarding experience. The aroma of freshly baked buns filling your kitchen, the sight of the golden rolls rising in the oven, and the joy of sharing them with loved ones make this recipe a memorable baking project. Not only are these buns delicious, but they are also visually appealing, making them an ideal centerpiece for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or casual get-togethers.
In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to create perfect Baked Cherry Buns from scratch. From essential ingredients and kitchen tools to step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and creative variations, you’ll have all the information to bake this delightful dessert with confidence. By the end, you’ll have a batch of soft, sweet, and satisfying cherry buns that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Buns Recipe
Cherry Buns are a classic dessert loved by many for their soft dough, sweet cherry filling, and golden-brown exterior. Unlike other pastries, these buns are simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or as a homemade treat. The combination of sweet cherries and soft dough makes each bite delightful. Using fresh or frozen cherries ensures that the flavor stays vibrant, while a homemade glaze can take your buns to the next level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious baked cherry buns, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup whole milk, warm
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs
For the Cherry Filling:
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2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Glaze (Optional):
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cherry Filling
Start by preparing the cherry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. The filling should be thick but spreadable, perfect for layering inside your buns.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–2 hours or until it doubles in size.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Shape the Buns
Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Cover the buns and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until they puff up.
5. Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. For an extra soft texture, you can brush the buns with melted butter immediately after baking. Allow the buns to cool slightly before glazing.
6. Glaze the Buns
Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns for a sweet finishing touch. This step is optional but highly recommended for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Buns
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Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries give the best flavor, but frozen cherries work perfectly if fresh ones are unavailable. Make sure to thaw and drain frozen cherries before use.
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Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can make the buns soggy. Spread evenly and leave borders for a neat roll.
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Check Dough Consistency: Dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Add a little flour if it’s too wet, but avoid over-kneading.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps the yeast activate properly.
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Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen and reheated.
Variations You Can Try
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Chocolate Cherry Buns: Add chocolate chips to the cherry filling for a decadent twist.
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Almond Cherry Buns: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
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Cream Cheese Cherry Buns: Mix cream cheese into the cherry filling for a creamy texture.
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Mini Cherry Buns: Make smaller buns for bite-sized desserts or party treats.
Why Cherry Buns Are a Great Dessert Option
Cherry Buns are not only visually appealing but also versatile. They work for breakfast, brunch, snacks, and desserts. Their soft texture and fruity filling make them a crowd-pleaser. Additionally, baking your buns at home allows you to control sweetness and ingredients, making them a healthier and fresher alternative to store-bought pastries.
Pairing Cherry Buns With Beverages
Cherry Buns pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even a cold glass of milk. For a brunch setting, serve them alongside fruit smoothies or fresh juice to complement the sweetness of the buns.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
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Serving Size: 1 bun
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Calories: 250
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Sugar: 15g
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Fat: 8g
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Protein: 4g
These values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the buns.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
How long do baked cherry buns last?
They stay fresh at room temperature for 2–3 days. Refrigerate for longer storage.
Can I freeze cherry buns?
Yes, freeze baked buns in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly. Make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the buns.
Q2: How long do baked cherry buns stay fresh?
A: At room temperature, cherry buns stay fresh for 2–3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the dough, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day for fresh buns.
Q4: Can I freeze baked cherry buns?
A: Yes, freeze baked buns in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the cherry buns?
A: Yes, you can add chocolate chips, cream cheese, or nuts for different flavors and textures.
Q6: What type of cherries is best for cherry buns?
A: Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier work best for a sweeter flavor, while tart cherries like Montmorency add a tangy taste.
Q7: Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
A: Yes, a bread machine can mix and knead the dough. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dough settings.
Q8: How do I prevent the cherry filling from leaking out during baking?
A: Spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Don’t overfill and seal the dough tightly when rolling.
Q9: Can I make mini cherry buns?
A: Yes, simply cut the rolled dough into smaller portions for bite-sized buns. Baking time may be slightly shorter.
Q10: Should I glaze the buns?
A: Glazing is optional but highly recommended. It adds sweetness, shine, and a professional bakery look.
Q11: Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla in the filling?
A: Yes, almond extract pairs beautifully with cherries and adds a delicious nutty flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon.
Q12: Are cherry buns suitable for breakfast?
A: Absolutely. Cherry buns make a sweet and satisfying breakfast or brunch treat, paired with coffee, tea, or milk.
Final Thoughts
Baked Cherry Buns are a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and loved by everyone. With their soft, fluffy texture, sweet cherry filling, and optional glaze, these buns are perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a sweet treat for yourself. By following this recipe, you’ll enjoy bakery-quality buns at home with the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Don’t forget to try the variations for different flavors and textures, and share these delicious cherry buns with friends and family.