Print

Apple Cheesecake Buns

A close-up of a delicious apple cheesecake bun with a bite taken out, showing the soft interior and crumble topping.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Soft, sweet buns filled with spiced apple pie filling and creamy cheesecake, topped with streusel and glaze. Perfect for fall baking and brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (2.25 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2 medium)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, salt, 1 egg, and melted butter. Stir in the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. While dough rises, prepare the apple filling: In a saucepan, combine diced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Punch down the risen dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  7. Spread the softened 1 tablespoon of butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  8. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the spiced butter.
  9. Spoon the cooled apple filling over the cheesecake layer.
  10. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the long sides. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
  11. Place the slices, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
  12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  13. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and cold butter. Cut together with a pastry blender or your fingers until crumbly.
  14. Uncover the buns and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over them.
  15. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  16. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm buns.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of ground ginger to the apple filling.
  • Ensure your yeast is active by checking for foam after mixing with warm water.
  • If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two forks or your fingertips to make the streusel topping.
  • The buns are best served warm.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/apple-cheesecake-buns/