Strawberry Crumble Buns

There’s something magical about the moment you tear into a warm bun and find a pocket of sweet strawberry jam inside, crowned with golden, buttery crumble. These strawberry crumble buns are the kind of treat that feels like a cozy weekend morning, no matter when you eat them. Soft, fluffy, and sweet with just the right touch of tart fruit, they’re made to be shared — but you’ll want to keep at least one for yourself.

Why These Buns Will Steal the Show

These are not just your average bakery buns. Think rich, brioche-style dough, homemade strawberry filling bubbling at the seams, and a crumb topping that melts in your mouth. They’re part pastry, part dessert, and all delicious. Perfect with a cup of coffee, a weekend brunch table, or just a quiet moment on the couch.

A Sweet Twist on European Classics

These buns are inspired by the soft, fruit-filled rolls often found in German or Eastern European bakeries — only we’re adding a sweet twist with a buttery crumble that gives each bite a crisp finish. Strawberries bring a sunny, fruity lift to the traditional yeasted dough. And while the shape and concept feel familiar, this version leans into comfort and indulgence with every layer.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Making Again and Again

With their gorgeous look and nostalgic flavor, it’s no wonder these buns keep people coming back for more.

Versatile: Change up the fruit or even the dough for seasonal twists.

Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry and fridge ingredients — just add strawberries.

Quick and Easy: The filling and crumble come together in minutes.

Customizable: Use jam, fresh fruit, or even cream cheese as filling.

Crowd-Pleasing: Great for brunch spreads, bake sales, or gifting.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough and filling can be prepped in advance.

Great for Leftovers: They reheat beautifully and freeze like a dream.

Expert Tips for Soft, Flavor-Packed Buns

Want that bakery-level result? Here’s what makes a big difference.

1. Use bread flour for a chewier, fluffier dough.
2. Don’t overfill — too much filling will burst out.
3. Let dough rise fully so the buns bake up tall and tender.
4. Chill the crumble before sprinkling so it stays distinct and crispy.
5. Brush with egg wash for that shiny, golden top.

Must-Have Tools to Make It Easy

You don’t need fancy gear, but a few trusty tools will make these a breeze.

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: For smooth, well-kneaded dough.

Rolling Pin: Helps flatten dough evenly before filling.

Muffin Tin or Baking Dish: Keeps buns round and contained.

Small Saucepan: To cook the strawberry filling to jammy perfection.

Pastry Cutter or Fork: For the crumbly topping.

Ingredients You Will Need For This Bake

Each part of the bun — dough, filling, and topping — plays its role in making these buns addictive.

1. Bread Flour: 3 cups – gives the dough strength and fluff.
2. Instant Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons – gets the dough rising quickly.
3. Milk: 3/4 cup, warm – adds moisture and richness.
4. Sugar: 1/3 cup – sweetens the dough.
5. Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (softened) – makes the dough rich and tender.
6. Eggs: 2 large – one for the dough, one for egg wash.
7. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – balances sweetness.
8. Fresh Strawberries: 1 1/2 cups, chopped – juicy fruit for the filling.
9. Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – thickens the filling.
10. Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – brightens the strawberry flavor.
11. Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (for filling) – adds a caramel note.
12. All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (for crumble) – base for the topping.
13. Cold Butter: 1/4 cup, cubed – makes the crumble buttery and crisp.
14. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (for crumble) – sweetens the topping.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Want to switch it up a bit? Here are easy alternatives.

Strawberries: Use blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples.

Bread Flour: All-purpose works fine, though the texture will be slightly softer.

Brown Sugar: Swap with maple syrup in the filling for a deeper sweetness.

Lemon Juice: Try orange juice or skip if you prefer it less tart.

Highlighting the Heroes

Fresh Strawberries: The soul of the filling — bright, juicy, and perfectly sweet when cooked down.

Cold Butter: The key to a proper crumble. The butter stays in chunks and creates those golden pockets of crisp on top.

Time to Bake: Here’s How It’s Done

This is the fun part. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the ride.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin or baking dish with parchment.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a mixer bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, egg, and softened butter. Mix in flour and salt gradually. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Grease your baking dish or muffin tin lightly. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Roll out dough and cut into squares. Place a spoonful of strawberry filling (cooked with lemon, sugar, and cornstarch) in the center of each, fold over the edges, and shape into balls. Place seam-side down in your pan.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Brush buns with egg wash and top with prepared crumble (flour, sugar, and cold butter mixed until sandy). Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Finishing Touches:
Let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if you like.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
They’re best warm, with the filling gooey and the crumble crisp. You’ll fall in love at first bite.

Texture That Wins Every Time

The outside has a soft, buttery crust, the crumble adds delicate crunch, and the inside is pillowy with bursts of warm, sweet strawberry. It’s a trio of textures that feels luxurious but homemade at heart.

Tips for Flawless Buns

Here’s how to keep the process smooth and results tasty:

• Let your dough rise in a warm place until doubled for fluffier buns.
• Use parchment to avoid sticky bottoms.
• Don’t skip the egg wash — it gives that bakery-style shine.
• Cool the filling before adding or it will soften the dough.

Watch Out for These Common Mistakes

Little things can make a big difference — here’s what to avoid:

• Overfilling: Can cause the buns to leak and lose shape.
• Undermixing the dough: Results in dense buns.
• Warm crumble topping: It will melt and won’t crisp up.
• Using too much flour: Makes the dough dry and tough.

Nutritional Snapshot

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 260
Note: These are estimated values and may vary by ingredients.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Prep and Storage Tips

You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Bring to room temperature before baking. Leftovers stay fresh for 2–3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to re-crisp the top. Freeze unbaked, filled dough balls and bake straight from frozen (adding 5 extra minutes).

Serving Ideas to Make Them Shine

Serve warm for breakfast with coffee or tea. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle of icing for dessert. These also make a charming gift wrapped in parchment and twine.

Leftover Magic

• Turn into bread pudding with a custard base
• Slice and toast, then spread with cream cheese
• Cube and mix into trifle with yogurt and fruit
• Crumble into milkshakes for a strawberry twist

Extra Little Secrets

• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble
• Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking
• Use strawberry jam if you’re out of fresh fruit
• Let the dough do a slow overnight rise for more flavor

Make Them Look Irresistible

Arrange in a round pan for a pull-apart look. Add extra crumble after baking if some slides off. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for that bakery finish. A garnish of sliced strawberries makes them pop.

Variations to Try

• Lemon Blueberry Buns: Use lemon zest in the dough and blueberry filling.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a spoon of sweetened cream cheese under the fruit.
• Chocolate Strawberry: Add chocolate chips to the filling.
• Glazed Version: Drizzle with vanilla icing after baking.
• Mini Buns: Make bite-sized versions for brunch platters.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use jam instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes, just reduce the sugar since jam is already sweetened.

Q2: How do I know the dough is kneaded enough?

It should be smooth and spring back when touched.

Q3: Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking.

Q4: What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead by hand, just give it time and elbow grease.

Q5: Can I use other fruits?

Yes. Blueberries, raspberries, or apples work great.

Q6: Why is my crumble melting?

It wasn’t cold enough. Chill before sprinkling.

Q7: Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes. Use plant milk and dairy-free butter.

Q8: Can I use active dry yeast?

Yes. Just dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?

In an airtight container at room temp or fridge for up to 3 days.

Q10: Are these sweet enough for dessert?

Yes! They’re perfect with coffee or even topped with ice cream.

Conclusion

Strawberry crumble buns are everything you want in a treat — warm, soft, fruity, and just a little indulgent. They look impressive, taste like a bakery dream, and fill your kitchen with the kind of aroma that brings everyone running. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just for yourself, let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Print