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Rhubarb Sticky Buns with Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sticky buns
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These soft and gooey rhubarb sticky buns are a springtime twist on a classic favorite. Swirled with sweet-tart rhubarb filling and topped with a rich vanilla bean mascarpone frosting, they’re the ultimate weekend treat. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or just because!


Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the rhubarb filling:

  • 2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

For the frosting:

 

  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)

  • 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)


Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add flour gradually and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

  2. Let it rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.

  3. Make the filling: While the dough rises, cook the rhubarb, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until thick and jammy (about 10–12 minutes). Let cool.

  4. Roll and fill: Roll out the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled rhubarb filling evenly over the dough. Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal pieces.

  5. Second rise: Place buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.

  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

  7. Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat mascarpone and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, and mix well. Add milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

  8. Frost and serve: Let buns cool slightly before spreading with the frosting. Serve warm or at room temperature.


Notes

  • These buns are best the day they’re made but can be reheated the next day.

  • You can prep the dough and filling the night before, then assemble and bake in the morning.

 

  • For extra decadence, drizzle with a bit of maple syrup or caramel before frosting.