Sweet Cherry Filled Buns

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Cherry Filled Buns are a fantastic twist on the classic fruit-filled bun. The sweet, slightly tangy cherry filling contrasts perfectly with the soft, slightly sweet dough. These buns are a perfect mix of comforting bread and fruity goodness, with the added bonus of being easy to make and fun to share. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat for a gathering, these cherry-filled buns are sure to impress. Plus, the smell of freshly baked fruit buns is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (or cherry pie filling)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 2-3 teaspoons milk or water

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This ensures that the yeast is active and ready.

2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. You may need slightly more or less flour, depending on the humidity.

3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Making the Cherry Filling:

1. Cook the cherries: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. If you like a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of water and stir it into the cherry mixture.

2. Simmer: Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes jammy. If using fresh cherries, let it simmer a bit longer until they break down. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract (if using). Let the filling cool completely.

Assembling the Buns:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 12×15 inches.

3. Cut and fill: Cut the dough into 9 or 12 squares, depending on the size of the buns you prefer. Place a spoonful of the cooled cherry filling in the center of each square.

4. Shape the buns: Fold the corners of the dough over the filling to form a bundle or shape the dough into a roll around the filling, pinching the edges to seal them. Place the filled buns seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Second rise: Cover the buns with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffed and slightly risen.

Baking the Buns:

1. Egg wash: Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg and water mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.

2. Bake: Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and fully baked through.

Glazing (optional):

1. Prepare the glaze: While the buns are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

2. Glaze the buns: Once the buns have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finish.

Serving:

Serve the buns warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 buns

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rising time)

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Fruit Filling: You can substitute the cherries for other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Just adjust the sugar and cornstarch as needed based on the fruit’s sweetness and juiciness.

• Cinnamon Rolls: For a cinnamon variation, skip the fruit filling and roll the dough with cinnamon sugar and butter before baking.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cherry filling for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They also freeze well—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute homemade cherry filling with store-bought cherry pie filling. Just be sure to adjust the sugar if needed.

Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the buns the night before, shape and fill them, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.

Can I use a different kind of fruit for the filling?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit that holds up well during baking, such as apples, blueberries, or peaches. Just adjust the cooking time for the filling if necessary.

How do I make sure the buns don’t leak filling?

Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly around the filling to seal them well. If any filling escapes while baking, it’s not a big deal—it’ll just create a delicious caramelized layer around the buns.

Can I make these buns into sticky buns?

Yes, you can turn these into sticky buns by placing them in a baking dish with a sticky caramel syrup at the bottom. For the syrup, melt butter, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract, then pour it over the buns before baking.

Conclusion

Sweet Cherry Filled Buns are the perfect blend of soft, pillowy dough and a sweet, tangy cherry filling. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, these buns are a hit every time. The combination of juicy cherries, tender dough, and a sweet glaze makes each bite irresistible. Make them for a special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself—these buns are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness!

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