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:
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3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
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2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the rhubarb filling:
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2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the frosting:
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1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
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1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
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1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
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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.
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Let it rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
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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.
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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.
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Second rise: Place buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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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.
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Frost and serve: Let buns cool slightly before spreading with the frosting. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
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These buns are best the day they’re made but can be reheated the next day.
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You can prep the dough and filling the night before, then assemble and bake in the morning.
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For extra decadence, drizzle with a bit of maple syrup or caramel before frosting.