Sweet Cherry Filled Buns (Vatrushka Recipe)

This Sweet Cherry Filled Buns (Vatrushka) recipe is the ultimate combination of soft, fluffy yeast dough and sweet, tart cherry filling. Known as Vatrushki, these buns are filled with ripe red cherries and topped with a buttery crumb mixture that adds a perfect crunch. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures perfect results every time. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these homemade buns are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Yeast Bun Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 100˚F, not hot!)
• 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus extra for dusting
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)

Simple Cherry Filling:

• 1 lb sweet red cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (1/2 tsp sugar for each bun)

Crumb Topping:

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

---

Instructions

How to Make Cherry Vatrushki:

1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine 1 cup of warm milk and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes to activate.
2. Mix Dough: Stir in 1/2 cup flour and 2 Tbsp sugar. Whisk until smooth, then allow it to rise in a warm oven (100˚F) for 20 minutes (or at room temperature for 30-45 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in 1 egg, the remaining 2 Tbsp sugar, melted butter, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, add 2 3/4 cups of flour, one cup at a time. Allow each addition to fully incorporate before adding more flour. Continue mixing until the dough is no longer sticky.
4. Knead: Mix the dough on low speed for 15 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm oven (100˚F) for 1 hour, or at room temperature for 2 hours, until it triples in size.
6. Shape Dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 16 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
7. Prepare Baking Dish: Butter your baking dish (either 2 round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan). Place the dough balls evenly spaced in the dish.
8. Create Wells: Use a small drinking glass or ramekin to press into the center of each dough ball, forming a well.
9. Add Cherry Filling: Place 4 cherries in each well and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sugar.
10. Second Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm oven for 20 minutes, or 30-45 minutes at room temperature, until the buns are puffy.
11. Make Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the cold diced butter, sugar, and flour. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the ingredients together until small crumbs form.
12. Brush and Bake: Brush the buns with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with the crumb topping. Bake at 360˚F for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

---

Tips

• Active Yeast: Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast. Test the temperature using your finger – it should feel comfortably warm.
• Dough Rising: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven preheated to 100˚F (turn off the heat once it’s warm) for optimal rising conditions.
• Ensure Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s no longer sticking to the bowl. The dough should be soft, not tacky.

Variations and Substitutions

• Filling Options: You can substitute the sweet cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for different flavor profiles.
• Crumb Topping: If you prefer a lighter topping, you can omit the crumb mixture and instead sprinkle the buns with a little cinnamon sugar before baking.

FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be made in advance. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight, then let it come to room temperature before shaping the buns.
• What if I don’t have a mixer? You can knead the dough by hand. It will take about 10 minutes of kneading to achieve a smooth, elastic dough.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cherry-filled buns warm for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for an extra treat.
• These buns also make a wonderful addition to holiday spreads or brunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sweet Cherry Filled Buns (Vatrushka) are a perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough, tart-sweet cherries, and a buttery, crumbly topping. They are easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and incredibly delicious, making them the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat or an after-dinner dessert, these cherry buns will impress your friends and family with their flavor and texture!