Description
Craving a bakery-worthy treat that’s bursting with tart fruit and sweet, buttery goodness? Rhubarb Blackberry Streusel Buns are soft, enriched dough rolls filled with a tangy rhubarb-blackberry jam, topped with a crunchy streusel, and finished with a creamy icing.
Ingredients
Dough
- Large Eggs (4, room temperature): Enrich the dough, adding tenderness and structure.
- Whole Milk (¾ cup, warm, 100-110°F): Hydrates the flour and activates yeast; warmth ensures proper fermentation.
- Honey (¼ cup): Sweetens the dough naturally and aids browning.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups, 568 grams): Forms the dough’s structure; precise weight ensures consistency.
- Instant Yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Leavens the dough for a light, airy texture; instant yeast simplifies the process.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavors and regulates yeast activity.
- Unsalted Butter (10 tablespoons, 142 grams, room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds richness and softness; gradual incorporation ensures even distribution.
Rhubarb Blackberry Jam
- Rhubarb (2 cups, 250 grams, chopped into 1-inch pieces): Provides tartness and a juicy base.
- Blackberries (6 ounces, 170 grams): Add sweet-tart flavor and deep color (~1½ cups).
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup, 100 grams, up to ¾ cup if berries are tart): Sweetens and thickens the jam; less sugar keeps it tart to balance the sweet streusel and icing.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances fruit flavors.
- Vanilla Bean (1, split): Infuses a warm, floral note; seeds and pod maximize flavor.
Streusel
- All-Purpose Flour (â…” cup, 94 grams): Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- Granulated Sugar (â…“ cup, 66 grams): Adds sweetness and crunch.
- Brown Sugar (â…“ cup, 66 grams): Contributes caramel flavor and moisture.
- Almond Flour (½ cup, 50 grams, or rolled oats): Adds nutty flavor or texture; oats are a nut-free alternative.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds warm spice.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, room temperature, cut into 6 pieces): Binds the streusel into crumbs.
Icing
- Cream Cheese (2 ounces, 56 grams, room temperature): Provides tangy, creamy base.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Thins the icing for drizzle consistency.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances flavors.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth.
- Powdered Sugar (1-1¼ cups, 113-142 grams): Sweetens and thickens icing; adjust for desired texture.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted and cooled): Adds richness and smooth texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Eggs: No direct substitute; for egg-free, try a commercial egg replacer, but dough may be less rich.
- Milk: Use plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat) for dairy-free; ensure it’s warmed to 100-110°F.
- Honey: Swap with maple syrup or granulated sugar (¼ cup); honey adds unique flavor.
- Flour: Use bread flour for chewier buns; for gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (results may vary).
- Yeast: Active dry yeast works (proof in warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar first).
- Butter: Replace with vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free; coconut oil may alter flavor.
- Rhubarb: Use frozen rhubarb (thawed, drained); swap for strawberries or raspberries (maintain 250 grams).
- Blackberries: Substitute with blueberries or mixed berries; adjust sugar based on tartness.
- Sugar (Jam): Use cane sugar or coconut sugar; reduce to â…“ cup for tarter jam.
- Vanilla Bean: Replace with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (add after cooking).
- Almond Flour: Use rolled oats or ground hazelnuts; oats make it nut-free.
- Cinnamon: Swap with cardamom or omit for a plainer streusel.
- Cream Cheese: Use mascarpone or omit for a simple glaze (increase milk to 3 tablespoons).
- Powdered Sugar: No substitute; adjust amount for thicker or thinner icing.
- Add-Ins: Mix ¼ cup chopped nuts into streusel or add ½ teaspoon lemon zest to jam for brightness.
Pro Tip: Weigh ingredients (e.g., 568 grams flour, 250 grams rhubarb) for accuracy, especially for dough and jam. Use room-temperature eggs and butter for smoother dough; taste jam and adjust sugar or lemon juice to balance tartness.
Essential Equipment
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment: For mixing dough and streusel; a hand mixer or wooden spoon works but requires more effort.
- Large Liquid Measuring Cup: For combining wet ingredients.
- Large Bowl: For dough rising.
- Plastic Wrap: To cover dough during rising.
- Medium Saucepan: For cooking jam.
- Half Sheet Pan or 10-inch Round Pan: For baking buns; parchment or butter prevents sticking.
- Parchment Paper: For lining sheet pan.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling dough evenly.
- Sharp Knife or Scissors: For cutting dough into buns.
- Small Bowl: For mixing icing.
- Wire Rack: For cooling buns.
Pro Tip: Generously grease a round pan (e.g., Mauviel) or line a sheet pan with parchment for easy release. Use a digital thermometer to check milk temperature (100-110°F) for optimal yeast activation.
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Prepare the Bowl:
- Grease a large bowl with butter or oil.
- Tip: A slick bowl prevents dough sticking during rising.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large liquid measuring cup, whisk 4 large eggs, ¾ cup warm whole milk (100-110°F), and ¼ cup honey until combined.
- Tip: Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing yeast or cooking eggs.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix 4 cups (568 grams) all-purpose flour, 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast, and 2 teaspoons salt on low speed to combine.
- Tip: Stir briefly to distribute yeast evenly.
- Form the Dough:
- Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix on low until combined.
- With the mixer on low, add 10 tablespoons (142 grams) butter, one piece at a time, waiting until each is incorporated.
- Increase speed to medium and beat for 1 minute until butter is fully integrated and dough is sticky.
- Tip: Scrape the bowl as needed; dough will be very soft and sticky.
- First Rise with Folds:
- Transfer dough to the greased bowl using a spatula (it’s sticky).
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Perform a series of folds: gently pull dough up and fold over itself, rotate bowl, and repeat 6-8 times total.
- Re-cover and let rise 30 minutes. Repeat folding 3 more times (2 hours total, 4 foldings).
- Tip: Folding strengthens dough structure; wet hands prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate Dough:
- Tightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 72 hours.
- Tip: Longer refrigeration (up to 3 days) deepens flavor; ensure a tight seal to prevent drying.
Make the Rhubarb Blackberry Jam
- Cook the Jam:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (250 grams) rhubarb, 6 ounces (170 grams) blackberries, ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (up to ¾ cup if berries are tart), a pinch of salt, and 1 split vanilla bean (seeds and pod).
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until rhubarb and blackberries break down and jam clings to a wooden spoon.
- Tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking; test thickness by checking if jam coats the spoon.
- Cool and Adjust:
- Remove from heat, discard vanilla bean, and cool to room temperature.
- Taste and add ½ teaspoon lemon juice at a time if needed to brighten flavor.
- Refrigerate until ready to use (up to 1 week).
- Tip: Cool completely to avoid melting butter in dough; store in an airtight container.
Make the Streusel
- Mix Streusel:
- In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine ⅔ cup (94 grams) all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup (66 grams) granulated sugar, ⅓ cup (66 grams) brown sugar, ½ cup (50 grams) almond flour (or rolled oats), ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon on low speed.
- Add 6 tablespoons butter, one piece at a time, mixing on low until crumbly but cohesive.
- Tip: Stop mixing when crumbs form; overmixing makes streusel dense. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
Make the Icing
- Mix Icing:
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 ounces (56 grams) cream cheese, 2 tablespoons milk, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add 1 cup (113 grams) powdered sugar and whisk until smooth. Add more sugar (up to ¼ cup, 142 grams total) for thicker icing.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons melted, cooled butter until combined.
- Tip: Adjust sugar for drizzle consistency; cover and refrigerate if making ahead (whisk before using).
Assemble and Bake
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or generously grease a 10-inch round pan (e.g., Mauviel) with butter.
- Tip: Parchment ensures easy release; grease round pans thoroughly for clean removal.
- Shape the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, fold cold dough over 3-4 times to deflate. Form into a ball and rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll into a ¼-inch thick rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
- Tip: Flour surface sparingly to prevent sticking; rest makes rolling easier.
- Fill and Roll:
- Brush dough with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Spread ½ cup rhubarb-blackberry jam thinly over the dough, adding more if needed for a light layer (avoid excess to prevent mess).
- Roll tightly from the short end into a log.
- Tip: Spread jam evenly, leaving a ½-inch border; roll snugly to keep filling contained.
- Cut and Arrange:
- Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the log into 12 equal pieces (~1-inch thick).
- Place buns on the prepared pan, 1½-2 inches apart.
- Tip: Cut gently to avoid squishing; space buns for even rising and baking.
- Final Rise:
- Loosely cover buns with plastic wrap and let rise for 1½-2 hours until nearly doubled. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours), then let sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes before baking.
- Tip: Rise in a warm, draft-free spot (75-80°F); buns should look puffy and soft.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle.
- Generously sprinkle streusel over buns, gently pressing to adhere (reserve extra streusel for another use).
- Bake for 22-27 minutes, until centers are set (spring back when poked) and tops are light golden brown.
- Tip: Check at 20 minutes; tent with foil if streusel browns too quickly.
- Cool and Ice:
- Cool buns on the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
- Drizzle with icing using a spoon or piping bag.
- Serve warm or at room temperature (makes 12 buns).
- Tip: Ice while slightly warm for a glossy finish; serve extra icing on the side for dipping.
Cooking Tips:
- Dough Stickiness: Sticky dough is normal; use a spatula and minimal flour to handle.
- Jam Thickness: Ensure jam is thick to prevent leaking; refrigerate to firm up before spreading.
- Streusel Application: Apply generously but don’t overload; extra streusel can be baked separately as a crumble.
- Doneness Check: Buns should be golden and firm in the center; avoid overbaking to keep them soft.