Tiramisù Cream Buns that Will Elevate Your Dessert Game
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Sophie
When my sweet tooth strikes and the thought of another ordinary dessert just won t do, I often find myself reaching for the flavors of Italy. That s how I stumbled upon these delightfully indulgent Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns. Imagine the soft, pillowy texture of freshly baked brioche buns, filled with luxurious mascarpone cream, and a hint of coffee.
With each bite, you re transported to a quaint Italian caf , where the aroma of rich espresso mingles with the sweetness of whipped cream. Perfect for those cozy brunches or as an elegant treat at your next gathering, these buns are surprisingly simple to make, yet they impress with their decadence and flavor.
Whether you re a seasoned chef looking for a unique challenge, or simply someone who craves homemade goodness over fast food, this recipe is your ticket to transforming your kitchen into a delightful pastry shop. So let s dive into crafting these irresistible Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns your taste buds will thank you!
Why Love These Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns?
Indulgent flavor: Each bite delivers a heavenly blend of mascarpone cream and coffee, evoking the essence of tiramis ¹.
Soft, pillowy texture: The freshly baked brioche buns are light and airy, making them a delightful treat.
Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you ll master this impressive dessert without fuss.
Perfect for any occasion: These buns are great for brunch, dessert tables, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Crowd-pleasing delight: Friends and family will be begging for the recipe after tasting these flavorful gems!
Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns Ingredients
Get ready to whip up these delectable treats!
For the Brioche Buns
- Strong bread flour 300 g, ensures a light and airy texture perfect for absorbing the mascarpone cream.
- Lukewarm milk 125 ml, activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough.
- Castor sugar 30 g, adds a hint of sweetness that complements the cream filling.
- Active dry yeast 6 g, the magic behind the dough s rise and fluffy texture.
- Egg 1, this ingredient enriches the dough and helps bind everything together.
- Room temperature butter 30 g, adds richness and flavor to your buns.
- Salt 1/2 tsp, balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Instant coffee 5 g, a subtle touch that echoes the classic tiramis ¹ experience.
- Egg wash 1 egg whisked with 1 tsp water, gives the buns a golden, glossy finish.
For the Mascarpone Cream Filling
- Heavy cream 200 ml, whipping it to stiff peaks creates a luscious texture.
- Mascarpone cheese 400 g, the star ingredient that gives these buns their luxurious filling.
- Icing sugar 60 g, sweetens the cream for an indulgent treat.
- Vanilla extract 1/2 tsp, enhances the overall flavor and fragrance of your filling.
For the Streusel Topping
- Plain flour 50 g, adds texture to the crumb topping.
- Sugar 20 g, sweetens the streusel for a contrasting crunch.
- Butter 30 g, brings richness to the crumb topping.
- Cocoa powder 1 tsp, adds a chocolatey twist that pairs beautifully with the cream.
Now you re all set to create these heavenly Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns!
How to Make Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns
Prepare the Streusel: In a bowl, combine the plain flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and butter to create the streusel chocolate crumb. Crumble everything up with your fingers and place it in the fridge until it s time to bake the buns.
Activate the Yeast: In a mixer bowl, add the active dry yeast, lukewarm milk, and castor sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes, allowing it to foam and become bubbly this means your yeast is alive and ready!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the strong bread flour, salt, and instant coffee. This mix will create the backbone of your dough, so give it a good stir and set it aside.
Combine Ingredients: Once the yeast is active, add the dry ingredients and the egg to the mixer bowl. Attach the hook and knead the dough for about 3 minutes, until a soft dough begins to form.
Incorporate the Butter: Gradually add the diced room temperature butter into the dough, one piece at a time. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretches without breaking a sign that it s ready for the next step!
Let it Rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest in the warmest place in your kitchen for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Enjoy the delightful aroma as it begins to rise!
Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and dust it lightly with flour. This ensures that the buns won t stick and makes for easy clean-up later.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, transfer it to a well-floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal parts and roll each piece into a ball. Cover with a towel to keep them warm.
Form the Buns: Gently flatten each dough ball and roll it into a sausage shape about 10cm long. Place them on the prepared tray, making sure to leave space in between each one. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). This will ensure that your buns are baked to perfection!
Egg Wash and Topping: Brush each bun with the egg wash, ensuring they get that beautiful golden color. Sprinkle a generous amount of the streusel crumb on top for added texture.
Bake the Buns: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and your kitchen smells delightful.
Cool Down: Once baked, let the buns rest for a couple of minutes on the tray before you start filling them with the mascarpone cream. Patience is key here!
Make the Mascarpone Filling: In a bowl, add the heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until your mixture forms stiff peaks using an electric whisk or stand mixer this is where the magic happens!
Combine and Chill: Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Transfer this decadent filling to a piping bag and place it in the fridge until you are ready to fill your buns.
Optional: Dust with cocoa powder before serving for an extra touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns
Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your buns within a day, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain their softness.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the buns in the fridge, where they ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, individually wrap each brioche bun in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months; simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To warm the buns, pop them in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 5-10 minutes. This will revive their fluffy texture and enhance the mascarpone cream filling!
Make Ahead Options
These Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time while still enjoying a delightful homemade treat! You can prepare the brioche dough up to 24 hours in advance simply complete steps 1 to 6 and refrigerate the dough instead of letting it rise. For even faster prep, the streusel topping can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. On the day you re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and finish the rising process before baking. Don t forget, the mascarpone cream filling can also be whipped and chilled ahead of time; just fill the buns just before serving to ensure they are fresh and decadent! Enjoy your time-saving masterpiece!
Expert Tips for Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns
Perfect Yeast Activation: Always use lukewarm milk to activate the yeast too hot will kill it, and too cold won t wake it up.
Windowpane Test: When kneading, perform the windowpane test. Stretch a small piece of dough; it should form a thin, translucent layer without tearing.
Dough Rising: Ensure the dough is covered and placed in a warm area to rise, avoiding drafts that can impede its growth.
Egg Wash Technique: Brush the buns gently with the egg wash before baking to get that lovely golden color; avoid pooling egg wash, which can create uneven coloring.
Streusel Crumb: For extra crunch, make sure your streusel topping is crumbly but not too sandy practice makes perfect for this topping!
Mascarpone Cream Temperature: Make sure the mascarpone cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing; cold cheese can lead to lumps in the filling. Enjoy making your delicious Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns!
Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity into these delightful buns!
Gluten-Free: Substitute strong bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a safe alternative that still serves up deliciousness.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a plant-based butter alternative to whip up a dairy-free mascarpone filling that everyone can enjoy.
Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds into the dough for a delightful crunch that beautifully complements the creamy filling.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for an even more decadent experience the rich chocolate makes every bite a surprise!
Citrus Zest: Brighten up the filling with a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest, adding a refreshing twist that cuts through the richness of the mascarpone.
Boozy Version: For an adults-only treat, add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum to the mascarpone filling, elevating the flavor profile reminiscent of classic tiramis ¹.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cardamom into the dough for a warm, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with coffee flavors.
Fruit Filling: Swap half the mascarpone for fruit pur e, like raspberry or strawberry, to create a fruity filling that brings a lovely tartness to balance the sweetness.
What to Serve with Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns?
Crafting these delightful buns opens the door to an array of flavor-packed pairings that make every bite unforgettable.
Rich Espresso: A classic companion, the bold coffee flavor enhances the tiramis ¹ essence in the buns. Perfect for coffee lovers!
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a vibrant contrast to the creamy sweetness, providing a refreshing finish to each bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a luscious contrast that elevates the indulgent experience of the tiramis ¹ cream.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the buns enhances the cocoa notes, perfect for the sweet-toothed dessert enthusiast.
Limoncello Spritz: This light and zesty drink cleanses the palate and complements the richness of the cream, making it a refreshing choice.
Coconut Macaroons: Chewy, sweet macaroons are a delightful texture contrast and add a tropical flair to your dessert table when served alongside.
Every pairing brings its own unique twist, ensuring that your Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns become the star of any gathering!
Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns Recipe FAQs
What kind of flour should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using strong bread flour ensures that your Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns have that light and airy texture that s perfect for absorbing the mascarpone cream. It s crucial to create that lovely structure in your dough.
How do I know if my yeast is active?
Very! To check if your yeast is active, mix the active dry yeast with lukewarm milk and castor sugar, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. If the mixture foams up and bubbles, your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
How should I store leftover Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns?
For sure! Store your buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day for maximum freshness. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge wrapped tightly, where they ll last for about 3 days without drying out.
Can I freeze the Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns?
Absolutely! To freeze, individually wrap each bun in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They remain delicious for up to 2 months. When you re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and you can reheat them in an oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 5-10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked feel.
What if my dough isn t rising?
Don t worry; it happens! If your dough isn t rising, ensure that your yeast was properly activated if it didn t foam, it may be dead. Additionally, check the temperature of the area where your dough is resting; it should be warm but not too hot. If necessary, try moving the dough to a warmer spot in your kitchen or covering it with a warm cloth to help the rising process.
Are these buns suitable for those with gluten allergies?
Unfortunately, these Tiramis ¹ Cream Buns are not suitable for individuals with gluten allergies as they contain strong bread flour. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you re looking for a gluten-free version, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.