The sweet-tart pairing of strawberries and rhubarb gets an aromatic twist with fresh basil in these pillowy jam filled rolls. They’re as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat soft dough, a bold fruit center, and that sweet vanilla bean glaze cascading over the top.
Whether you’re planning a cozy Sunday brunch or want to elevate your breakfast game with a seasonal treat, these rolls are the perfect answer. They strike a lovely balance between indulgent and refreshing especially when served slightly warm with your morning coffee or tea.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Sweet Roll Dough:
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2 packets dry instant yeast
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1 cup whole milk, warm
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2/3 cup granulated sugar
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2 eggs, room temperature
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1/2 cup butter, room temperature
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4 ½ to 4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp cinnamon
Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam:
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1 ½ cups strawberries, sliced
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1 ½ cups rhubarb, sliced
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1–2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Filling:
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1 cup strawberry rhubarb basil jam
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1/2 cup butter, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Vanilla Bean Glaze:
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2 cups icing sugar
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1 tsp vanilla bean paste
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1/4 cup milk (plus more as needed)
Directions:
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Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine yeast with a few teaspoons of the sugar and pour in the warm milk. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Add remaining sugar and softened butter. Whisk, then add eggs and whisk again.
In a large bowl or blender container, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients, mixing until dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5–2 hours, or until doubled in size. -
Make the Jam:
Add strawberries, rhubarb, lemon juice, and brown sugar to a saucepan. Cook at a rolling boil over medium-high heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring often.
Test jam by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it gels, it’s ready. Stir in chopped basil, then chill with plastic wrap on the surface. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a blender or mixing bowl, blend softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon until smooth. Add flour and mix to combine. -
Assemble Rolls:
Punch down risen dough and roll into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Spread butter filling evenly, then top with 1 cup of jam, leaving a 1-inch border.
Roll tightly, jelly-roll style, and slice into 12 pieces. Arrange in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes. -
Bake & Glaze:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle rolls with granulated sugar and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Blend glaze ingredients until smooth. Once slightly cooled, drizzle glaze generously over rolls and allow to set before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)
Kcal: 395 kcal (approx) | Servings: 12 rolls
The Sweet Alchemy of Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls
In the ever-evolving world of baking, there’s something so comforting about returning to the classics but with a twist. The Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls are a love letter to spring and summer’s finest ingredients, enveloped in tender, yeasted dough and crowned with a silky vanilla bean glaze. It’s a recipe that captures the essence of warm weather in each bite, blending sweet, tart, and herbal notes into a single soft spiral of joy.
If you’re someone who loves baking not just for the outcome but for the entire process the measuring, mixing, kneading, rising, and finally glazing then these rolls will feel like home. They’re a celebration of both time-tested traditions and fresh seasonal creativity, turning your kitchen into a mini artisanal bakery with just a few humble ingredients and a bit of patience.
A Seasonal Symphony: Strawberry, Rhubarb & Basil
The first thing that makes these jam rolls stand out is their unexpectedly brilliant flavor profile. At a glance, strawberry and rhubarb might seem like familiar companions, often united in crisps and pies. Their partnership is a dance of sweet and tart, soft and fibrous, fruity and vegetal. Strawberries bring sun-ripened sweetness while rhubarb lends a sour edge and chewy complexity.
But just when you think you know where the flavor is going, the basil steps in and this is where the magic really begins. Fresh basil adds an herbal undertone that feels almost floral, slightly peppery, and refreshingly green. It doesn’t dominate the jam; rather, it enhances it, giving the filling a garden-fresh lift and an adult sophistication. This is not your average jam roll. This is a jam roll reimagined with elegance and nuance.
It’s worth noting that all three components strawberries, rhubarb, and basil reach their peak around the same time of year, making this a quintessential seasonal bake. Whether you’re harvesting from your garden, picking up produce from a farmer’s market, or simply craving a sun-drenched pastry, this roll captures the very spirit of late spring and early summer.
A Lesson in Dough: Fluffy, Buttery, and Perfectly Rich
At the heart of every good roll is a well-made dough. This one is a classic enriched yeast dough, made soft and tender by the inclusion of butter, eggs, and milk. It’s the type of dough that’s as enjoyable to work with as it is to eat. After proofing, it becomes pillowy, elastic, and slightly sweet just begging to be rolled out and filled.
What sets this dough apart is its adaptability. Whether you’re kneading by hand or using a blender or stand mixer, it rises beautifully and offers a soft, cloud-like texture once baked. It’s the kind of dough that absorbs the flavors it wraps around and serves as a buttery canvas for the vibrant jam and aromatic glaze.
For many home bakers, working with yeasted dough can feel intimidating, but this one is wonderfully forgiving. It loves a warm kitchen, rewards patience, and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. Just a little trust and time.
The Homemade Jam: A Jar of Summer
There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own jam, especially when it’s for a recipe like this. Unlike store-bought spreads that can sometimes be overly sweet or artificially thickened, this jam is fresh, bright, and full of character.
Cooking down strawberries and rhubarb together with brown sugar and lemon juice brings out a depth of flavor that’s both nostalgic and exciting. The basil is stirred in at the very end, preserving its delicate oils and fragrant punch. The result is a small-batch, herbaceous jam that you’ll want to spread on everything or, in this case, swirl into every roll.
One of the best parts of this process is watching the transformation: the way the fruit breaks down, the sugar caramelizes, the jam thickens and shines. Testing the set of the jam on a cold plate is a timeless method that adds a touch of vintage charm to your kitchen routine.
The Filling: More Than Just a Swirl
While the jam provides the boldest flavor note, the butter-based filling brings richness and texture. Creamed with sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, and just a touch of flour, it creates a buttery spread that melts into the dough during baking. This combination ensures that the rolls remain moist, with just the right amount of sweetness and a whisper of citrusy warmth.
Layering the butter filling with the jam creates a roll that’s not just filled, but infused with flavor. Each slice through the baked dough reveals a marbled, fruit-streaked interior that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The Glaze: Because Every Roll Needs a Crown
No cinnamon or jam roll feels complete without a generous, glossy glaze and this one is exceptional. The vanilla bean paste takes it to another level, adding not just flavor but also visual appeal with those telltale black flecks. The glaze is smooth, pourable, and sets just enough to form a delicate shell over the soft rolls.
It’s the final touch that ties the entire experience together, offering a sweet contrast to the tangy jam and herbal undertones. It also makes these rolls visually irresistible, whether you’re serving them for brunch, gifting them to a friend, or snapping a photo for Instagram.
Kitchen Joy: Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Satisfaction
An unexpected bonus of this recipe? It’s surprisingly low on cleanup especially if you’re using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix for both the dough and filling. Many steps that would normally require several bowls and utensils can be streamlined into one container, minimizing mess and maximizing efficiency.
This makes it a perfect weekend bake when you want to create something showstopping without committing to an entire day of dishes. The process becomes almost meditative: prep, proof, fill, roll, bake, glaze, and finally enjoy.
Serving Suggestions & Occasion Ideas
These rolls are best enjoyed slightly warm, when the glaze is soft, the filling is gooey, and the dough practically melts in your mouth. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea and make a standout centerpiece for brunch tables, baby showers, garden parties, or casual breakfasts with family.
You can prep them the night before, let them rise in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning making them ideal for entertaining. And if you’re feeling generous, they also make a thoughtful homemade gift wrapped in parchment and twine.
Conclusion:
The Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls are more than just a pastry they’re an experience. They tell a story of seasons changing, of tradition meeting innovation, and of the joy that comes from making something from scratch. With every swirl of jam and drizzle of glaze, you’re not just baking you’re crafting a memory, a ritual, and a treat that feels both nostalgic and new.
Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just beginning your journey, this recipe invites you in with open arms. It offers room for creativity, rewards attention, and ends with something truly delicious. These rolls may come from simple ingredients, but they deliver extraordinary flavor and perhaps, your new favorite way to celebrate strawberry season.