Cheesecake Croissant Buns (Buns From Home London)

There is something irresistible about that first tear into a warm croissant bun, especially when it reveals a soft, creamy cheesecake center. The flaky layers crackle gently, the filling melts just slightly, and the aroma feels like you just stepped into a cozy London bakery. Trust me, you are going to love this because every bite feels like a dreamy mix of pastry shop magic and homemade comfort.

Behind the Recipe

These buns were inspired by the iconic Cheesecake Croissant Buns from Buns From Home in London, a bakery known for its beautifully swirled laminated dough and indulgent fillings. I remember visiting their shop and watching people gather around the counter, mesmerized by the glossy, buttery buns. Recreating that moment in a home kitchen feels like bottling up a tiny piece of London.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Buns From Home started as a lockdown project in London and quickly became a sensation because of their artful croissant buns. Their fusion of laminated dough and rich fillings created a new type of pastry that feels both rustic and luxurious. The Cheesecake Croissant Bun became one of their most popular treats because it combines the comfort of cheesecake with the elegance of croissants.

Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Croissant Buns

These buns take everything you love about croissants and cheesecake and wrap them into the perfect handheld indulgence.

Versatile: Enjoy them warm for breakfast, as a dessert, or with an afternoon coffee.
Budget-Friendly: More affordable than bakery versions while still tasting just as special.
Quick and Easy: Uses ready made puff pastry to simplify the process without losing quality.
Customizable: Add berries, lemon zest, chocolate chips, or spices to your filling.
Crowd-Pleasing: The layers and swirl effect always impress guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Filling and dough can be prepped ahead.
Great for Leftovers: Reheating brings back the flaky goodness instantly.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Before you dive in, here are a few insider tips that give the buns bakery style beauty.

1. Keep your dough cold so the layers puff beautifully in the oven.
2. Do not overmix the cheesecake filling, it should stay light and creamy.
3. Brush the buns with egg wash for a glossy golden finish.
4. Chill shaped buns before baking to help them hold their swirl.
5. Use high quality butter pastry for the best flaky texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You do not need fancy equipment, just a few basics to bring these bakery style buns to life.

Rolling Pin: To smooth and shape the pastry.
Mixing Bowl: For preparing the cheesecake filling.
Hand Mixer: Helps achieve a creamy, fluffy texture.
Baking Tray: Lined with parchment for clean baking.
Pastry Brush: To apply egg wash for shine.

Ingredients in Cheesecake Croissant Buns

Each ingredient plays its part in creating the perfect balance of rich filling and flaky layers. Together they come together like a sweet little symphony.

1. Ready Made Puff Pastry: 1 sheet, cold Provides flaky layers similar to croissant dough.
2. Cream Cheese: 1 cup, softened Creates the smooth, creamy cheesecake center.
3. Sugar: 1/3 cup Adds sweetness to the filling.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon Enhances the cheesecake flavor with warm aroma.
5. Egg: 1 whole Helps set the cheesecake filling.
6. Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon Adds brightness and balances richness.
7. Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk Gives buns a glossy finish.
8. Powdered Sugar: 1 tablespoon Optional dusting for a bakery finish.
9. Butter: 1 tablespoon, melted Helps enhance browning and adds extra richness.
10. Salt: a pinch Balances sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here are simple alternatives if you are missing something.

Cream Cheese: Use mascarpone for extra richness.
Sugar: Brown sugar adds a caramel touch.
Vanilla Extract: Replace with almond extract for a bakery twist.
Lemon Zest: Use orange zest for a softer citrus note.

Ingredient Spotlight

Puff Pastry: This shortcut ingredient recreates those beautiful flaky layers with minimal effort, making the buns light, buttery, and bakery worthy.

Cream Cheese: The star of the filling which gives the buns that creamy contrast to the crisp pastry.

Instructions for Making Cheesecake Croissant Buns

Let’s walk through the process step by step so you can enjoy these irresistible buns with confidence. And now let’s dive into the baking adventure.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, salt, and egg until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Dust your surface lightly with flour and unroll the pastry sheet.
4. Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of cheesecake filling over the pastry. Roll it into a log and slice into thick swirls.
5. Cook to Perfection: Place buns on the tray, brush with egg wash, and bake 18 to 22 minutes until golden and puffy.
6. Finishing Touches: Brush with melted butter and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly, then enjoy the warm flaky pastry with the soft creamy center.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic lies in the contrast. The outer layers bake into golden, crisp flakes while the inside stays soft and creamy from the cheesecake filling. The slight tang of the cream cheese balances the sweetness and the citrus zest brightens every bite. It feels like a perfect pastry shop treat without leaving home.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few tricks can take your buns from good to unforgettable.

• Keep pastry cold at all times for maximum flakiness.
• Use a sharp knife to cut clean swirls.
• Let buns cool slightly so the filling sets softly.

What to Avoid

These simple mistakes can change your results, so here is how to avoid them.

• Do not let the pastry warm up or it will lose its layers.
• Do not overfill or the cheesecake will leak out.
• Do not bake at low heat or the buns will become soggy instead of crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: About 340
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the filling and roll the pastry the night before. Keep the buns refrigerated until baking. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days.

How to Serve Cheesecake Croissant Buns

Serve warm with coffee, tea, or a drizzle of honey. For a more indulgent version, add fresh berries or a spoon of berry compote. They also make a beautiful brunch centerpiece.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover buns can turn into a delicious croissant bread pudding. Chop them, mix with a custard base, bake, and enjoy a whole new dessert. You can also toast slices in a pan for a caramelized outside.

Additional Tips

Avoid overworking the dough for best flakiness. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling if you love warm spices. Always chill shaped buns for at least ten minutes before baking.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve buns on a wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar. Add fresh berries or edible flowers for a café style presentation. A drizzle of vanilla glaze also elevates the whole look.

Variations to Try

1. Berry Cheesecake Buns: Add raspberries or blueberries to the filling.
2. Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Buns: Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips.
3. Lemon Cheesecake Buns: Increase lemon zest and add a light lemon glaze.
4. Cinnamon Cheesecake Swirls: Add cinnamon sugar inside the roll.
5. Nutty Cheesecake Buns: Add crushed pistachios inside and on top.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use homemade croissant dough?

Yes, it creates an even more authentic bakery result.

2. Can I freeze the buns?

Yes, freeze unbaked swirls and bake straight from frozen.

3. Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely, adjust to taste.

4. How do I avoid filling leakage?

Leave a clean border when spreading the filling.

5. Can I add fruit?

Yes, berries work beautifully with cheesecake filling.

6. Can I make them savory?

Yes, swap filling for herbed cream cheese.

7. Why did my buns flatten?

The pastry was too warm before baking.

8. How do I keep layers flaky?

Work quickly and keep dough chilled.

9. What type of pastry is best?

All butter puff pastry gives the best flavor.

10. Should I eat them warm or cooled?

Warm tastes heavenly but cooled gives a firmer cheesecake texture.

Conclusion

Cheesecake Croissant Buns bring the charm of a London bakery right into your kitchen. The flaky layers, creamy center, and warm aroma make every bite worth savoring. Let me tell you, these are a total game changer, and once you make them, you will find yourself baking them again and again.

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