There’s nothing quite like the scent of warm brioche wafting through the kitchen, drawing family and friends near. When I first bit into a Tiramisù Cream Bun, it was as if I had discovered a hidden treasure buried in the world of desserts. Each delightful bite combines the rich coffee flavor of classic Italian tiramisù with a fluffy, buttery brioche—a luxury that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make at home.
After a hectic day, I often find solace in whipping up these decadent treats. They not only serve as a perfect pick-me-up for breakfast but also shine during afternoon tea or dessert gatherings. With a silky mascarpone filling and a crunchy chocolate crumb topping, these buns wrap you in comforting warmth.
Join me in creating this irresistible blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing and leave an unforgettable impression on anyone lucky enough to share them with you!
Why will you love Tiramisù Cream Buns?
Rich, Indulgent Flavor: Each bun beautifully melds the deep, aromatic notes of coffee with sweet, creamy mascarpone, reminiscent of classic Italian tiramisù.
Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll enjoy creating these gourmet treats right in your own kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these buns are versatile enough to impress at any gathering or offer a comforting treat at home.
Impressive Visuals: The golden-brown, fluffy dough topped with crunchy chocolate streusel creates an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to wow your guests!
Quick to Make: In just under two hours, you can have these warm delights ready to serve, making them a great choice for last-minute entertaining.
Tiramisù Cream Buns Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough
• Strong Bread Flour – Essential for creating a fluffy texture in the buns.
• Milk (lukewarm) – Activates yeast and enriches the dough with moisture.
• Castor Sugar – Adds a light sweetness to the dough for a delightful flavor.
• Active Dry Yeast – Leavens the dough, creating air pockets for fluffy buns.
• Egg – Provides structure and richness, helping the buns rise beautifully.
• Butter (room temperature, cubed) – Ensures rich flavor and tender crumb in the final product.
• Salt – Enhances overall taste and balances the sweetness.
• Instant Coffee – Infuses the dough with a rich coffee essence, a key feature of Tiramisù.
• Egg Wash (1 egg + 1 tsp water) – Achieves a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.
For the Mascarpone Cream Filling
• Heavy Cream – Whipped to stiff peaks, providing stability for a light filling.
• Mascarpone Cheese – Offers a creamy, rich texture and traditional tiramisù flavor.
• Icing Sugar – Adds a light sweetness to the mascarpone cream.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cream’s delicious flavor profile.
For the Streusel Chocolate Crumb
• Plain Flour – Forms the base of the crumb topping, adding structure.
• Sugar – Introduces a hint of sweetness to the chocolate crumble.
• Butter – Binds the crumb mixture, adding moisture and richness.
• Cocoa Powder – Provides a deep chocolate flavor, complementing the coffee notes beautifully.
How to Make Tiramisù Cream Buns
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Prepare Streusel Crumb: In a mixing bowl, combine plain flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and room temperature butter. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, then chill it in the refrigerator.
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Activate Yeast: In another bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk, active dry yeast, and castor sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly—a sign that the yeast is alive and ready.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine strong bread flour, salt, and instant coffee. Stir together to evenly distribute the ingredients, enhancing the dough’s flavor.
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Knead Dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and mix until combined. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, passing the windowpane test.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape Buns: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Divide the dough into equal portions, shape them into balls, then flatten and roll them out. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.
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Preheat Oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
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Prepare for Baking: Brush each bun with the egg wash mixture prepared from 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water. Sprinkle the chilled chocolate crumble generously on top.
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Bake: Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
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Make Mascarpone Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese to create a smooth, creamy filling.
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Assemble Buns: Once the buns have cooled, cut a slit in each bun and generously fill it with the mascarpone cream. Dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Optional: Serve warm with a side of espresso for a delightful pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Tiramisù Cream Buns?
There’s nothing like a warm, fluffy bundle of coffee-flavored goodness to pair with delightful sides—let’s create a full feast!
- Rich Espresso: A strong cup of espresso elevates the coffee notes in the buns while providing a bright, robust flavor contrast.
- Fluffy Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a cloud-like softness that complements the rich mascarpone filling beautifully.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness and tartness, balancing the indulgent sweetness of the buns.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce provides an extra decadent touch that’s sure to please any sweet tooth craving.
- Chilled Italian Prosecco: This sparkling wine’s crispness cuts through the richness of the buns, making it a refreshing choice for brunch or dessert gatherings.
- Nutty Biscotti: Serve some crunchy almond or hazelnut biscotti for an appealing texture contrast, allowing for delightful dipping into coffee.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add a tropical flair, perfectly matching the coffee flavor while offering an inviting sweetness.
- Fruit Infused Tea: A fragrant tea, such as peach or berry blend, provides a refreshing counterpoint, cleansing the palate after each delightful bun.
- Chocolate-Covered Almonds: These bites of decadence resonate well with the flavors of these buns and add an extra crunch for texture.
- Creme Brûlée: For a sumptuous dessert pairing, crack into a creamy vanilla crème brûlée, offering a rich yet velvety end to your meal.
Tiramisù Cream Buns Variations
Feel free to mix things up and create your own delightful twist on these scrumptious buns!
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Ricotta Filling: Substitute mascarpone with ricotta for a lighter cream option that still packs a flavorful punch. This creamy alternative adds a lovely texture that contrasts well with the coffee flavors.
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Hazelnut Extract: Use hazelnut extract instead of vanilla in the mascarpone filling for a nutty warmth. This creates a rich and aromatic experience that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Chocolate Chunks: Stir in chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate into the filling for an extra burst of decadence. It gives a delightful molten surprise in each bite, making your buns even more irresistible.
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Coffee-Infused Dough: For a more intense coffee flavor, replace some of the milk with coffee or espresso. This twist boosts the rich aroma, ensuring every bite is a caffeinated dream.
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Vegan Option: Use almond milk and aquafaba in place of regular milk and eggs for a vegan-friendly take. Swap mascarpone with coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free delight that cozy taste without compromising on enjoyment.
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Spiced Variation: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or the filling. These warm spices can uplift the flavor and give your buns a delightful holiday feel, perfect for winter gatherings.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top your filled buns with a drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving. The richness of caramel pairs beautifully with the coffee and creates a lovely contrast to the crunchy topping.
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Chili Heat: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the mascarpone filling to create a sweet and spicy combination. It adds a surprising kick that enhances the complexity of flavors in a special way!
Expert Tips for Tiramisù Cream Buns
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Windowpane Test: Ensure your dough passes this test by stretching a small piece. If it breaks easily, keep kneading for a smoother texture.
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Chill the Crumb: After preparing the streusel chocolate crumb, chill it thoroughly to maintain crispness while baking.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to promote even mixing, ensuring your Tiramisù Cream Buns rise beautifully.
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Flavor Alternatives: For a unique touch, substitute vanilla extract with almond extract in your mascarpone filling for added depth.
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Fresh is Best: Serve these buns fresh on the same day of preparation for the best taste and texture. They’ll be soft and delightful!
How to Store and Freeze Tiramisù Cream Buns
- Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep the buns at room temperature for up to 1 day in a sealed container to maintain moisture.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps the creamy filling safe since it contains mascarpone.
- Freezer: If you need to keep them longer, freeze the buns (without the filling) for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Reheating: To enjoy, reheat frozen buns in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Fill with mascarpone cream when ready to serve.
Make Ahead Options
These Tiramisù Cream Buns are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the brioche dough and shape the buns up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate after the first rise. The chocolate streusel crumb can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge, keeping its crunch intact. When you’re ready to enjoy, all you need to do is allow the buns to come to room temperature, brush with egg wash, and bake. For the mascarpone cream filling, whip it up up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the buns. This way, you’ll savor delicious, fresh-tasting treats that are just as delightful as when made from scratch!
Tiramisù Cream Buns Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Tiramisù Cream Buns?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients like milk and butter, ensure they are fresh. Look for milk with a good expiration date; if possible, use full-fat milk for creaminess. For the butter, room temperature is ideal for easy mixing—leave it out for about 30 minutes before you start.
How should I store leftover Tiramisù Cream Buns?
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want them to maintain their moisture, line your container with a paper towel before placing them inside, as this helps absorb excess moisture.
Can I freeze Tiramisù Cream Buns? What’s the best way to do that?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your buns, first allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my brioche dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. First, check the expiration date on your yeast package. If it’s still fresh, make sure your milk was not too hot; it should be lukewarm, as hot liquids can kill yeast. Also, provide a warm environment—my favorite trick is covering the bowl with a damp cloth and placing it in a slightly warm oven!
Are Tiramisù Cream Buns suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
These Tamimisù Cream Buns contain dairy and gluten, so they’re not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten allergies. However, you can easily adapt these buns for different dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, consider using plant-based substitutes such as almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese. For gluten-free buns, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make variations of the mascarpone filling?
Very much so! Substitute the mascarpone with ricotta for a lighter filling, or try adding a European twist with almond extract instead of vanilla. Additionally, incorporating finely chopped chocolate or espresso beans can add delightful texture and enhance the flavor profile. The more the merrier!
Tiramisù Cream Buns: Your New Coffee-Indulgence Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Streusel Crumb: In a mixing bowl, combine plain flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and room temperature butter. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, then chill it in the refrigerator.
- Activate Yeast: In another bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk, active dry yeast, and castor sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until it becomes foamy and bubbly—a sign that the yeast is alive and ready.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine strong bread flour, salt, and instant coffee. Stir together to evenly distribute the ingredients, enhancing the dough's flavor.
- Knead Dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and mix until combined. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, passing the windowpane test.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Buns: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Divide the dough into equal portions, shape them into balls, then flatten and roll them out. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush each bun with the egg wash mixture prepared from 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water. Sprinkle the chilled chocolate crumble generously on top.
- Bake: Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until they're golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Make Mascarpone Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese to create a smooth, creamy filling.
- Assemble Buns: Once the buns have cooled, cut a slit in each bun and generously fill it with the mascarpone cream. Dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.