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Danish Carnival Buns with Vanilla Cheesecake and Blueberry Filling Recipe

4.6 from 90 reviews

Delight in these Danish Carnival Buns filled with luscious vanilla cheesecake and topped with a vibrant blueberry compote and buttery crumble. Soft, fluffy dough envelops a creamy filling, making these sweet buns perfect for festive occasions or a special breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 70 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
  • 10 g (2 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 250 ml (1 cup) warm milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 75 g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened

Cheesecake filling

  • 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk

Blueberry compote

  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry)

Crumble topping

  • 50 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
  • 75 g (½ cup) all-purpose flour

Egg wash

  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasonings.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: Add the warm milk, whole egg, and softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, indicating good gluten development.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size, which activates the yeast and aerates the dough.
  5. Prepare cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Chill this mixture until ready to use to maintain its texture.
  6. Make blueberry compote: In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the berries release their juices.
  7. Thicken compote: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and cool completely to prevent soggy dough later.
  8. Prepare crumble topping: Rub together the cold cubed butter, granulated sugar, and flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Chill this crumble to keep it firm before baking.
  9. Punch down and divide dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air and divide it into 10–12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
  10. Shape and indent buns: Arrange the dough balls on a lined baking tray, flatten them slightly, and create an indentation in the center using your fingers or a spoon to hold the fillings.
  11. Fill buns: Spoon the cheesecake filling into each indent, then add a spoonful of the cooled blueberry compote on top. Sprinkle the crumble mixture around the edges of each bun for a crunchy topping.
  12. Preheat oven and brush buns: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the exposed dough edges with the egg wash made from beaten egg and milk for a shiny golden finish.
  13. Bake buns: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until the buns turn golden brown and the crumb topping is set and lightly crisp.
  14. Cool and serve: Allow buns to cool slightly on a wire rack to set before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy warm for maximum indulgence.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Using cold butter for the crumble helps achieve a crisp texture.
  • Blueberry compote can be made ahead and refrigerated.
  • For softer buns, cover with a clean kitchen towel while cooling.
  • These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently.

Keywords: Danish buns, carnival buns, vanilla cheesecake filling, blueberry compote, crumble topping, sweet baked buns, festive pastries, homemade buns