Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and affection, an ideal time to express your feelings through the art of baking. Imagine the delight on your loved one's face as they bite into a homemade Strawberry Bun, a romantic treat for two made with love and care.
This recipe not only yields delectable buns but is also sprinkled with fascinating facts, helpful tips, and engaging information about the ingredients and baking process. Let's dive into the recipe and discover how to make these special Valentine's Day Strawberry Buns.
Glazed Strawberry Buns Recipe
For the Strawberry Buns:
1/4 cup butter melted
1 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp Pink food coloring
4 cups bread flour + 1 cup for kneading
2 1/4 tsp yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
Heavy cream for covering the buns while baking
For the Strawberry Filling:
2 cups frozen strawberries
3 tsp water + 3 tsp cornstarch
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tsp strawberry juice
1/3 cup heavy cream
Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
Instructions:
1. Dough Making: Start by combining melted butter, vanilla, lukewarm milk, beaten eggs, pink food coloring, and yeast in your stand mixer. Once mixed, add the bread flour, sugar, and salt, and knead until you have a soft, springy dough. You can alternatively knead by hand on a floured surface if you do not have a stand mixer and use the additional cup of flour if the dough is sticky.
2. Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled. This step is crucial for developing the texture and flavor of the buns.
3. Prepare the Filling: Simmer the strawberries, water, lemon juice and sugar. Scoop 3 tablespoons of the strawberry juice and set aside.
Thicken with a cornstarch slurry and mash the strawberries to create a smooth filling. Turn the oven on and let it preheat to 350°F.
4. Shape and Fill: Roll the dough, spread the strawberry filling, roll up, and slice into individual buns. Arrange in a baking dish and drizzle with heavy cream.
5. Bake: In the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until golden and baked through.
6. Glaze: Mix confectioners' sugar, strawberry juice you set aside, and heavy cream. Drizzle over cooled buns and sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
Tips & Tricks
Dough Rising: To ensure your dough rises perfectly, place it in a warm, draft-free area in your kitchen. If your home is on the cooler side, you can create a warm environment by turning your oven on to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside with the door closed.
Strawberry Filling: Using frozen strawberries is a brilliant choice as they are picked and frozen at their peak ripeness, ensuring your buns are flavorful. Plus, they are available year-round and are often more cost-effective than fresh strawberries.
Glazing: For a smooth, pourable glaze, ensure your strawberry juice is free from seeds and pulp by straining it thoroughly. Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar or strawberry juice to reach your desired consistency.
Creating these Glazed Strawberry Buns is about more than just baking; it's a labor of love. Each step, from kneading the dough to applying the glaze, offers a chance to infuse your creation with care and affection. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying this for the first time, these Strawberry Buns are sure to make your Valentine's Day special, filled with love, flavor, and the joy of homemade baking.
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