Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls – Perfect for Brunch or Dessert

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Introduction

Get ready to upgrade your brunch game with a sweet treat that screams garden-fresh goodness: Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls. Imagine fluffy, golden rolls swirled with a tangy, herbaceous jam made from strawberries, tart rhubarb, and fresh basil—all baked to sticky-sweet perfection. This is not your ordinary cinnamon roll. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and fruity spin perfect for spring and summer brunches, lazy weekend breakfasts, or even dessert.

Whether you’re looking to impress your guests, use up seasonal produce, or just treat yourself to something utterly irresistible, these Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls are the answer. They’re surprisingly easy to make and offer that homemade bakery-quality indulgence.

What is this recipe?

Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls are a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll, but instead of cinnamon-sugar filling, the dough is rolled up with a homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam. The jam combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the tang of rhubarb, and the aromatic touch of fresh basil for a filling that’s complex and crave-worthy.

Once baked, the jam caramelizes slightly in the oven, soaking into the dough and creating soft, flavorful layers in every bite. Finished with a light glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, these rolls are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

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Essential Ingredients

To make these Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls, you’ll need simple pantry staples, seasonal fruit, and fresh herbs:

• All-purpose flour – the base of our soft, fluffy dough
• Instant yeast – for a quick rise and pillowy texture
• Milk & butter – to enrich the dough
• Sugar – a little for the dough and the jam
• Egg – adds structure and richness
• Fresh strawberries – for a naturally sweet and vibrant jam
• Fresh rhubarb – adds tartness and body
• Fresh basil – brings aromatic depth
• Lemon juice – to balance the sweetness and help the jam set
• Powdered sugar (optional) – for glazing

Alternative Ingredients

No fresh rhubarb on hand? No problem. Here are a few substitutions you can use:

• Frozen strawberries or rhubarb – Just thaw and drain before cooking
• Mint or thyme – If basil isn’t your thing, try another fresh herb
• Store-bought jam – In a time crunch? Use a high-quality strawberry rhubarb jam and stir in some chopped fresh basil
• Whole wheat flour – For a more wholesome bite, swap up to 50% of the flour

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Servings, Yield

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Yield
25 minutes	25 minutes	2 hours	12 rolls	1 batch

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Key Features

• Seasonally inspired – Perfect for spring and summer
• Homemade jam – No preservatives, just real fruit and herbs
• Versatile – Works for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• Freezer-friendly – Freeze the unbaked rolls for future cravings
• Unique flavor combo – Not your average sweet roll

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Nutrition Facts (Per Roll, Approximate)

Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Protein
285 kcal	42 g	18 g	10 g	5 g

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Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls

Making Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls from scratch might sound like a weekend baking project—and it is—but it’s a deliciously rewarding one. If you can make cinnamon rolls, you can absolutely make these. And if you’ve never made any kind of roll before, don’t worry—this guide breaks everything down into simple, foolproof steps to help you master this springtime favorite with confidence.

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Step 1: Make the Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam

Let’s start with the heart of this recipe—the jam. This is where all the flavor magic happens. You’ll need fresh strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice, and basil.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:
• 1½ cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
• 1 cup rhubarb (chopped small)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Stir everything together and let it cook gently for 12–15 minutes. The fruit will break down as it cooks. You want it to look like a thick sauce, not watery. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once it begins to thicken and look jammy, remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. This infusion brings a sophisticated twist and botanical brightness to the jam.

Let the jam cool completely before using. Warm jam can melt the dough and ruin the structure of the rolls. You can refrigerate it for faster cooling.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

This dough is soft, buttery, and slightly sweet—perfect for cradling that tangy jam.

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine:
• ¾ cup warm milk (not hot—around 100°F or 38°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

Stir and let the yeast activate for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly foamy.

Now mix in:
• 1 large egg
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

Use a dough hook or your hands to knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and only slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

Shape into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled—about 1 hour.

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Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. On a floured surface, roll it into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.

Spread the cooled Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam evenly over the surface. Don’t go all the way to the edges—leave a ½-inch border to help the dough seal.

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Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. This is where you create that iconic swirl. Take your time and roll evenly.

Once rolled, use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Floss gives you clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

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Step 5: Second Rise

Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure they have a little space between them. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffed.

This second rise gives you super fluffy, bakery-style rolls. Don’t skip it.

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Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls are risen and the oven is hot, bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.

Check them at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking—these rolls are best when soft and tender.

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Step 7: Optional Glaze

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together a simple glaze using:
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (or lemon juice for zing)

Drizzle over warm rolls or serve as is with a dusting of powdered sugar. Either way, they’ll be beautiful and delicious.

Final Thoughts:

Making Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls might take a little time, but every step builds toward something unforgettable. The jam is tangy-sweet, the dough is pillowy, and the rolls come out of the oven looking like they came straight from a boutique bakery.

Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, Mother’s Day, or just because you love good food, this step-by-step guide will ensure you nail it every single time.

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Pro Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls

• Cool the jam before spreading it on the dough to avoid soggy rolls
• Use dental floss to cut perfect, clean slices of dough
• Chill the dough slightly if it becomes too sticky while rolling
• Let them rise fully before baking for maximum fluffiness
• Don’t overbake – check at 25 minutes to ensure softness

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls are everything a perfect brunch treat should be: soft, warm, sweet, a little tart, and just exotic enough to feel special. They’re filled with color and flavor, easy to share, and guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.

This isn’t just baking. It’s bringing the garden into your kitchen and turning it into something magical.

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What Makes This Recipe Unique?

• Fresh herb twist – Basil takes this classic jam pairing to a gourmet level
• Homemade filling – No artificial stuff, just real fruit and love
• Vibrant flavor contrast – Sweet strawberries meet tart rhubarb and aromatic basil
• Visual appeal – The swirl of red and green looks stunning in every roll

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning after letting them come to room temperature for 30 minutes.

What if I don’t like basil?
You can substitute mint, thyme, or skip herbs entirely. The jam will still be delicious.

Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze them before the second rise. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then rise and bake as usual.

Is it necessary to make homemade jam?
Not strictly. Store-bought strawberry rhubarb jam works well too—just stir in chopped fresh basil for that herby edge.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg.

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You’ll Also Love

If you enjoyed these Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls, don’t miss:

• Peach Cardamom Breakfast Buns – Soft, spiced, and sunshine-sweet
• Raspberry Lemon Sweet Rolls – A zesty, berry-packed delight
• Honey Fig and Thyme Swirl Rolls – Elegant, earthy, and divine
• Blueberry Lavender Jam Danish – Beautiful and bakery-worthy
• Blackberry Sage Morning Rolls – A herbal twist on sweet tradition

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Conclusion

These Strawberry Rhubarb Basil Jam Rolls offer a flavor experience that’s bright, fresh, and unforgettable. With their tangy-sweet filling and a hint of aromatic basil, they’re a celebration of seasonal ingredients and homemade comfort. Whether you’re hosting brunch, needing a showstopping dessert, or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, these jam rolls deliver on all fronts.

Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen every spring.

Don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious take on this Middle Eastern classic!