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Danish Carnival Buns

Danish Carnival Buns: Fluffy Treats with Sweet Cheesecake Bliss

Danish Carnival Buns are soft, fluffy delights filled with creamy vanilla cheesecake and sweet blueberry compote, perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Danish
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; no substitutions recommended.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness; can replace with brown sugar.
  • 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast Creates texture; active dry yeast can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor; essential for balance.
  • 1 cup Warm Milk around 110°F; substitute with almond milk for dairy-free.
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients; a flax egg can be used for vegan options.
  • 1/2 cup Softened Butter Adds moisture; margarine can replace for dairy-free.
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Core filling ingredient; ricotta can be used for a lighter texture.
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens the cheesecake filling; best used as is.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Infuses flavor; almond extract can be a substitute.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Enriches filling; fruit puree can serve as a vegan alternative.
For the Blueberry Compote
  • 2 cups Blueberries Adds natural sweetness; frozen blueberries can be used directly.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Brightens flavor; lime juice can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Thickens compote; arrowroot powder is an alternative.
For the Egg Wash
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Creates a golden finish; melted margarine is an option.
Optional Topping
  • 1 cup Crumble Topping Adds texture; can swap with granola.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually pour in the warm milk (around 110°F), then add the egg and softened butter. Stir the mixture until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well blended, and then remove the dough onto a floured surface.
  2. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  4. While waiting, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate.
  5. To make the blueberry compote, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the blueberries burst. Stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute before removing it from the heat. Let it cool.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down, divide into 10-12 pieces, and shape into balls. Create a small indent in the center of each bun.
  7. Spoon the cheesecake filling into the indents of each bun, followed by a dollop of blueberry compote and optional crumble topping.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter for a golden finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes until they are golden brown and puffy.
  9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure yeast is fresh for proper rising. Customize with gluten-free options as needed.

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