Oh these buns!!

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com

These buns, these buns, these buns. I love umm.

They are better than your average sticky bun with pecans. They are more than just sugar. They have flavor. They have blueberries!!!

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com

And vanilla and lemon and vanilla.

AND a cream cheese layer that makes them a little cheesecake like, but they are better than cheesecake, because they are warm, gooey and melty. Yummmm.

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com

I actually got so excited as I was making these that I completely spaced and took no pretty pictures of the goo. The goo is what makes these sticky buns amazing. The blueberries and vanilla make the goo pure magical. Seriously, you could turn any type of breakfasty dish – pancakes, waffles, crepes and pretty much any bread, into a breakfast to remember.

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com

I have to admit, I was a little unsure of the cream cheese layer. To be honest I am not sure why I even thought to add the cream cheese, but the combo of blueberries and cream cheese just sounded right. It ended up being so good and my family loved them. Actually, they never really said anything about the cream cheese specifically, they just loved these buns. I did make the cream cheese optional though, just in case cream cheese may not be your thing. It’s up to you.

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com

Originally, I was thinking of these for Father’s Day since my dad loves a good sticky bun, but they turned out so good that I think I need to make them every week for the rest of the summer. You know kind of the gift that keeps on giving!

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com

I am sure you could swap in any fruit you happen to have on hand. Blackberries would be equally as delicious, but I feel like any other berry would probably change the flavors a bit. Especially with the cream cheese.

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com

These are pretty simple to make, and of course that’s always a good thing.

Oh, and since it is Tuesday, and it’s summer, I feel like a fancy breakfast is totally acceptable. I mean, everything goes in the summer, right?

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com
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4.43 from 7 votes

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

The Recipe

Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns.

By halfbakedharvest

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blueberries, buns, cream cheese, lemon, vanilla

They are better than your average sticky bun with pecans. They are more than just sugar. They have flavor. They have blueberries!!!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12 Buns
Calories 539 kcal

Ingredients

Dough

Blueberry Goo

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 vanilla bean seeds scraps + pods reserved
  • 1 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Topping

  • 6-8 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds optional

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer add the warm water, yeast and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix to dissolve the sugar and then allow the mixture to sit 5-10 minutes or until the mixture is foamy on top.
  2. After 5 minutes add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, butter, warm milk, baking powder, flour, lemon zest, salt and vanilla extract. Using the dough hook kneed the dough until a smooth ball forms. You may need to add a little water if the dough seems dry or a little flour if the the dough seems too wet. Once a ball has formed continue to kneed the dough for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Turn the mixer off and lightly grease the bowl. Cover and place in a warm place to rise for 1-2 hours.
  1. Meanwhile make the goo. Add the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and the vanilla bean seeds + empty vanilla bean pods. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer 2-3 minutes. During the last minute add the blueberries, breaking them up into the goo just a little. Remove from the heat.
  2. In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoon cinnamon.
  3. Lightly grease a muffin pan and divide half of the goo among the bottom of the muffin cups, set aside. When the dough is ready, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  4. Roll the dough out into a roughly 18x18 inch square. If using the cream cheese spread it over the dough. I find it helpful to microwave the cream cheese and "melt' it slightly. It makes spreading much easier. Pour half of the goo over the cream cheese (or plain dough if not using cream cheese). Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the goo. Starting with the end away from you, roll the dough into a line towards you (it will get very messy). Slice the rolls into 12 slices and place them in the prepared muffin cups. Drizzle any remaining goo, that may have leaked out, over the rolls. Sprinkle with slivered almonds. Cover and let the rolls rise for about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool 5 minutes and then run a knife around the edges and pop them out. EAT!
Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon + Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns | halfbakedharvest.com

I would say so. Summer livin’ rules!