Homemade Blueberry & Cheese Vatrushka Buns Recipe for Beginners

Crafting a delightful blueberry & cheese vatrushka bun promises a magical culinary adventure.

Soft dough embraces sweet-tangy berries nestled within creamy cheese centers.

Russian bakeries have long celebrated these delectable pastries as morning delights.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of delicate sweetness and rich dairy notes.

Baking these traditional treats connects you with generations of home cooks who perfected this recipe.

Warm kitchen aromas will invite everyone to gather around the table.

You’ll fall in love with these irresistible little buns that blend comfort and elegance in every delectable morsel.

Vatrushka Bun Tricks for Blueberry Cheese Success

• Ensure milk temperature is between 120°F-130°F for perfect yeast activation, which guarantees soft, fluffy buns every time.
• Knead dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic to develop gluten structure, creating better texture and rise in your vatrushka buns.
• Choose a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or on top of a warm appliance to help dough rise consistently and quickly.
• Create deep, careful wells in buns without puncturing the bottom, allowing cheese and blueberry preserves to stay contained during baking.
• Use chilled butter and mix streusel ingredients lightly to maintain a crumbly texture that provides delightful crunch on top of your buns.

Store Blueberry & Cheese Vatrushka Buns

• Store leftover vatrushka buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping their soft texture and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks without losing flavor or quality.
• Warm buns at 300°F for 8-10 minutes, restoring their crispy streusel and soft interior. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat briefly for 15-20 seconds to prevent dryness, ensuring the cheese and blueberry filling remain warm and gooey.

Great Complements for Vatrushka Buns

• Perfectly Paired Coffee Companions: Smooth medium-roast Colombian coffee balances the sweet-tangy blueberry notes and rich cheese flavors in the vatrushka buns.
• Complementary Dessert Wine: Crisp Moscato d'Asti with light effervescence and gentle sweetness enhances the baked pastry's delicate texture and fruity filling.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Chilled Earl Grey tea with its bergamot hints provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the creamy cheese and sweet blueberry components.
• Artisan Milk Pairing: Creamy whole milk or vanilla-infused almond milk softens the pastry's richness and highlights the subtle vanilla undertones in the dough.

Vatrushka Buns Sweet or Savory Versions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains soft, pillowy texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and select plant-based cream cheese for the filling.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free blueberry preserves, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor complexity.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream cheese, replace milk with oat milk, and select dairy-free margarine to create a lactose-free version of the traditional vatrushka buns.

FAQs

• Why do I need to proof the yeast?

Proofing activates the yeast and ensures it’s alive and ready to help the dough rise, creating soft and fluffy buns with proper texture.

• How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and no longer stick to your hands. When you stretch a small piece, it should form a thin, translucent “windowpane” without tearing.

• Can I replace the cheese mixture?

While traditional vatrushka uses farmer’s cheese or quark, you can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese for similar creamy results. Just ensure the cheese isn’t too watery.

• What's the purpose of creating a well in each bun?

The well helps contain the cheese and blueberry filling, preventing it from spilling out during baking and creating a neat, attractive presentation of the vatrushka buns.

Why Blueberry & Cheese Vatrushka Buns Will Win You Over

• Quick Family Pleaser: Create a batch of soft, sweet pastries in just under 3 hours, perfect for weekend brunches or sharing with loved ones who crave homemade comfort treats.
• Versatile Breakfast Delight: Enjoy these tender vatrushka buns fresh from the oven or at room temperature, making them an adaptable breakfast or snack option that suits various meal times and preferences.
• Customizable Flavor Potential: Swap blueberry preserves with other fruit jams or fillings, allowing creative bakers to experiment and personalize these delectable Russian-inspired pastries to match their taste preferences.

What You’ll Find in Blueberry & Cheese Vatrushka Buns

• Milk: Warmth helps activate yeast and provides soft texture.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds slight sweetness.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds subtle aromatic background flavor.
• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Provide richness and structure to dough.
• Butter: Creates tender, rich dough with smooth consistency.
• Flour: Structural base for entire bread recipe.

• Cheese Mixture: Provides creamy center for buns.
• Blueberry Preserves: Adds fruity burst and sweet-tart flavor.

• Flour: Creates crumbly texture for topping.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to streusel.
• Butter: Helps form crumbly, crisp topping.
• Cream: Binds streusel ingredients together.

Vatrushka Bun Instructions with Blueberry & Cheese

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Magic

Warm the milk to a cozy temperature.

Pour it into a spacious mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the surface.

Watch as the yeast comes to life, creating a frothy texture after about 5 minutes.

• Sugar
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Whole eggs
• Extra egg yolks
• Melted butter

Mix everything until well combined.

Step 2: Knead the Perfect Dough

Gradually incorporate flour into the wet ingredients.

Roll up your sleeves and start kneading.

Work the dough until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

If using your hands, this will take about 12-15 minutes.

With a mixer, aim for around 20 minutes.

Step 3: First Rising Adventure

Transfer the dough to a clean bowl.

Cover it with a soft cloth or plastic wrap.

Find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen.

Let the dough rise and expand for 1½ to 2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shaping Delicious Buns

Divide the risen dough into 16 equal portions.

Roll each piece into a perfect round ball.

Arrange these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Create Filling Pockets

Gently press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball.

This will be your filling nest.

Step 6: Fill with Creamy Goodness

• Cheese mixture
• Blueberry preserves

Into the center of each bun.

Step 7: Sprinkle Streusel Topping

• Flour
• Sugar
• Chilled butter

Add a touch of cream to bind the mixture.

Step 8: Second Rising

Allow the filled buns to rise again for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Step 9: Final Baking Touch

Brush the edges of the buns with beaten egg.

Generously sprinkle the streusel over the filling.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the buns cool slightly.

These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature – a perfect treat for any time of day!

Blueberry & Cheese Vatrushka Buns Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Blueberry & cheese vatrushka buns transport Russian bakery magic straight to your kitchen, offering sweet-tangy comfort in every delightful bite. Homemade pastries weave rich cultural traditions with irresistible flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Yeast Dough Ingredients:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (heated to 120-130°F/48-54°C)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dry active yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheese Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups farmers cheese (tvorog)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup blueberry preserves or other berry jam

Streusel Topping and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
• 1 tablespoon cream
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by gently warming milk to a tepid temperature, then whisk in sugar. Sprinkle yeast across the surface and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes until a frothy layer forms.
2. Incorporate salt, vanilla, whole eggs, additional yolks, and melted butter into the activated yeast mixture. Thoroughly blend these wet ingredients until uniformly combined.
3. Gradually fold in flour, mixing consistently to develop a cohesive dough. Knead the mixture vigorously until it transforms into a smooth, elastic texture – approximately 12-15 minutes when working manually or 20 minutes using a stand mixer.
4. Transfer the kneaded dough into a spacious container, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and position in a draft-free, warm environment. Allow the dough to rise and expand, roughly doubling in volume over 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Gently divide the risen dough into 16 equal portions. Roll each segment into uniform spherical shapes, then arrange them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Using fingertips or the back of a spoon, create a gentle indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill these wells with a generous spoonful of cheese mixture and a vibrant dollop of blueberry preserves.
7. Prepare the streusel topping by combining flour, sugar, and chilled butter. Work the ingredients between fingertips until they resemble coarse crumbs. Introduce a touch of cream and lightly blend to create a crumbly texture.
8. Allow the filled buns to undergo a secondary proofing, resting for 20-30 minutes. Simultaneously, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Before baking, delicately brush the exposed edges of each bun with beaten egg. Sprinkle the prepared streusel generously over the fruit and cheese filling.
10. Bake the vatrushka until they transform into a rich, golden-brown color, approximately 25-30 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven and let the buns rest briefly, allowing them to cool and set. Serve either warmly or at ambient temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Work with precise milk temperature to activate yeast perfectly, ensuring warm (not hot) liquid between 120-130°F prevents killing active yeast cultures.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten structure, creating soft and stretchy texture that provides excellent bread consistency.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to help dough rise evenly and incorporate smoothly without temperature shock.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add xanthan gum for structural support.
• Choose fresh, high-quality blueberry preserves with minimal added sugar to enhance natural fruit flavor and prevent excessive sweetness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg