Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting Recipe

Sweet & Tangy Rhubarb Sticky Buns with Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting Recipe

Rhubarb adds a surprising twist to classic sticky buns that will make breakfast feel like an adventure.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in this delightful pastry.

Soft, pillowy dough cradles vibrant pink rhubarb pieces that promise a delectable experience.

Unexpected combinations often create culinary magic, and these buns prove that point beautifully.

Vanilla bean mascarpone frosting brings a luxurious richness that complements the tart fruit perfectly.

Each bite tells a story of creative baking and seasonal ingredients.

You’ll fall in love with this innovative take on a traditional morning treat.

Grab your apron and let’s bake something extraordinary!

Helpful Baking Tips For Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting

  • Prep Dough Like a Pro: Warm milk mixture to precisely 110°F ensures perfect yeast activation, creating soft, fluffy buns every time.
  • Knead with Confidence: Spend 6-8 minutes kneading to develop gluten, resulting in a stretchy, smooth dough that rises beautifully.
  • Master Rhubarb Distribution: Toss rhubarb with cornstarch to prevent excess moisture, keeping your rolls perfectly textured and preventing soggy bottoms.
  • Frost for Maximum Flavor: Apply mascarpone frosting while rolls are still warm, allowing it to melt slightly and create an irresistibly creamy, indulgent topping.
  • Customize Your Buns: Swap rhubarb with seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a delightful flavor variation that keeps the recipe exciting and fresh.

How To Store Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting

  • Store freshly baked rhubarb sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Keep them covered to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Refrigerate the buns if you want to extend their shelf life for 45 days, but always reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their soft, warm texture.
  • Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to preserve their delicious flavor and prevent them from absorbing other food odors.
  • For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted buns in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before adding fresh frosting and serving.

What Goes Well With Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting

  • Craft Sweet-Tart Wine Harmony: Pair these rhubarb sticky buns with a crisp Riesling that balances the dessert's sweetness with its bright, tangy notes, creating a delightful flavor dance on your palate.
  • Brew Coffee Companion Bliss: Select a smooth medium-roast coffee with caramel undertones to complement the cinnamon and rhubarb, enhancing the buns' rich, warm profile without overpowering their delicate flavor.
  • Match Creamy Beverage Contrast: Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk or a velvety chai latte to provide a cool, creamy backdrop that softens the sticky buns' intense sweetness and highlights the vanilla bean mascarpone frosting's luxurious texture.
  • Elevate Dessert Wine Experience: Sip a late-harvest Gewürztraminer with its subtle sweetness and floral hints, which will beautifully echo the rhubarb's tartness and the buns' caramelized edges.

Easy Twists On Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting

  • Seasonal Fruit Fusion: Swap rhubarb with fresh strawberries or peaches for a summer-inspired version that bursts with seasonal sweetness.
  • Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the filling before rolling to add a delightful textural element and rich, toasted flavor.
  • Tangy Citrus Remix: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the dough and frosting to create a bright, refreshing profile that complements the sweet base.
  • Maple Spice Edition: Replace some sugar with maple syrup in the filling and add a touch of cardamom or nutmeg for a warm, cozy breakfast treat that feels like a comforting hug.

FAQs About Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting

FAQs for Rhubarb Sticky Buns with Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting:

  • What makes rhubarb special in these sticky buns?

Rhubarb adds a tangy, bright flavor that perfectly balances the sweet cinnamon and creamy frosting, creating a unique twist on traditional sticky buns.

  • Can I substitute fresh rhubarb with frozen?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just thaw and pat dry before adding to the filling to prevent excess moisture in the rolls.

  • Why use mascarpone in the frosting?

Mascarpone provides a rich, creamy texture and subtle tanginess that elevates the frosting, making it more luxurious and complex than standard cream cheese frosting.

  • How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and spring back when you press it. It typically takes 6-8 minutes of kneading to reach the right consistency.

Why Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting Are A Total Treat

  • Effortless Weekend Delight: These rhubarb sticky buns transform a typical morning into a special experience with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for lazy weekend mornings when you want something extraordinary without complex preparation.
  • Quick Rising Magic: The recipe's strategic rising times (just 1 hour and 30-45 minutes) make it surprisingly manageable, allowing busy home bakers to create a stunning breakfast treat without consuming their entire day.
  • Seasonal Fruit Celebration: Incorporating fresh rhubarb adds a tangy twist to classic sticky buns, making this recipe a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce and create a unique dessert that stands out from traditional cinnamon rolls.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of soft, buttery dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and luxurious vanilla bean mascarpone frosting creates a crowd-pleasing dish that will make family and friends feel genuinely loved and spoiled.

Everything You Need For Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting

Bread Base:
  • Flour: Provides structure and texture for the soft, fluffy buns.
  • Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps activate the yeast.
  • Water: Helps combine ingredients and create dough consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
Filling and Fruit:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a warm, sweet, and spicy filling.
  • Rhubarb: Adds tartness and fresh fruit flavor to the buns.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken rhubarb juices and prevent soggy filling.
Frosting:
  • Mascarpone: Provides a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Bean Seeds: Offers intense, natural vanilla flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.

Step-By-Step For Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting

Step 1: Create Soft Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Warm milk, water, and butter in a saucepan until it feels comfortably warm. Pour the liquid into dry ingredients and crack in an egg. Mix everything until it becomes a lovely, soft dough. Keep adding flour gradually until the mixture feels just right.

Step 2: Knead and Let Rise

Dust your countertop with flour and plop the dough onto the surface. Knead the dough with your hands, pushing and folding for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it hang out in a cozy spot for about an hour. Watch it double in size!

Step 3: Prepare Delicious Filling

In one small bowl, mix:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

In another bowl, gently toss rhubarb with cornstarch to help it become perfectly saucy.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape. Brush melted butter all over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and spread rhubarb evenly. Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 12 beautiful pieces.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the rolled buns in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F. Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the buns turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
  • Mascarpone
  • Butter
  • Vanilla bean seeds

Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add milk to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Let the buns cool slightly, then generously spread the frosting while they’re still warm. This allows the frosting to melt deliciously into the rolls. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

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Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting Recipe

Rhubarb Sticky Buns With Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rhubarb sticky buns with vanilla bean mascarpone frosting blend sweet and tangy flavors into a delightful breakfast pastry. Rich mascarpone frosting and tender rhubarb ribbons elevate this classic treat, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ¼ cups (406 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (240 grams) chopped fresh rhubarb
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
  • ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Leavening and Sweet Ingredients:

  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons/7 grams) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

Supplementary Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste)
  • ½ cup (120 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream (more if needed)

Instructions

  1. Create a silky, elastic dough by blending flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Warm milk, water, and butter to about 110F, then integrate into the dry ingredients. Incorporate the egg and mix thoroughly until a cohesive mixture forms.
  2. Transfer the soft dough onto a lightly dusted work surface. Knead vigorously for 6-8 minutes, developing a smooth, pliable texture. Nestle the dough into a greased bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to rise in a draft-free, warm environment for approximately one hour until it doubles in volume.
  3. Prepare the flavor base by combining brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Separately, gently coat the rhubarb with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is lightly dusted to prevent excessive moisture.
  4. Deflate the risen dough and roll into a rectangular shape measuring 12-16 inches. Lavishly brush with melted butter, then generously distribute the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Arrange the rhubarb pieces evenly across the surface. Carefully roll the dough from the longest edge, creating a tight, compact log. Slice into 12 uniform portions.
  5. Arrange the rolled sections in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing slight spacing between each roll. Cover and permit a second rise for 30-45 minutes until they appear puffy and slightly expanded.
  6. Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the rolls until they transform into a golden, enticing hue, approximately 25-30 minutes.
  7. Craft the luxurious frosting by whipping mascarpone, butter, and delicate vanilla bean seeds until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, adjusting with milk to reach a spreadable texture.
  8. Allow the baked rolls to cool momentarily, then generously apply the frosting while still warm, enabling it to delicately melt into the tender layers. Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Swap flour for gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same soft, tender texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie alternative without compromising delicious flavor.
  • Enhance rhubarb’s tartness by briefly macerating with orange zest or adding a splash of vanilla extract during preparation.
  • Prevent dough from sticking by using parchment paper or generously flouring work surfaces during rolling and shaping stages.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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